In a major strategic shift, Apple is gearing up for its most aggressive iPhone launch schedule ever, planning to release seven distinct models between the spring of 2026 and the fall of 2027. This information comes from a leaked product roadmap obtained by The Information from sources within Apple and its supply chain. The plan marks a departure from the company's traditional single annual launch window, moving towards staggered releases throughout the year to capture a wider audience and counter slowing revenue growth.
A Staggered Launch Strategy for Broader Appeal
The ambitious lineup is designed to cater to every segment of the market, from budget-conscious buyers to tech enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge innovation. According to the report, the rollout will begin in spring 2026 with the iPhone 17e, internally known as V159. This budget-friendly model will address previous user complaints by adding a glass back and MagSafe wireless charging, features absent in its predecessor. It is expected to be powered by the A19 processor and Apple's own C1X modem.
The following fall, in 2026, Apple will launch three devices simultaneously. The spotlight will be on the iPhone 18 Pro (V63) and Pro Max (V64). These premium models are set to finally eliminate the notorious notch, adopting under-display Face ID technology supplied by Canadian firm OTI Lumionics. The front camera will be relocated to the upper-left corner. For photography buffs, the Pro models will incorporate mechanical aperture controls for superior low-light performance. Technically, they will use TSMC's advanced Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module packaging to place memory closer to the processor for enhanced speed.
The Foldable iPhone and a Spring Surprise
The third device launching in fall 2026 is perhaps the most anticipated: Apple's first foldable iPhone, codenamed V68. Breaking away from the vertical fold trend, Apple's design is said to feature a horizontal folding mechanism. It will boast a 5.3-inch outer display and a larger 7.7-inch inner screen that opens up to resemble a small iPad. Foxconn is reportedly handling trial production at its Guanlan facility in China, though manufacturing the displays is challenging with high defect rates common in early foldable development. With materials from Corning and Schott, this pioneering device could carry a premium price tag of around $2,400 (approximately ₹2 lakh), making it Apple's most expensive iPhone ever.
Come spring 2027, Apple will introduce two more models: the iPhone 18 (V67) and the iPhone 18e (V69). In a cost-cutting move, the standard iPhone 18 is expected to remove haptic feedback from its capture button. The iPhone 18e will continue to support magnetic wireless charging. In a significant first for base iPhone models, initial manufacturing for both is planned at Foxconn's facility in Bangalore, India, before production shifts to China.
The Grand Finale: iPhone 20 Anniversary Edition
The grand finale of this two-year plan is scheduled for fall 2027 with the iPhone 20 (V72), celebrating the iconic smartphone's 20th anniversary. This commemorative model is poised to be a design marvel, featuring an all-screen look with curved glass wrapping around all four edges. A narrow metal band in the middle will house the buttons. The selfie camera will be completely hidden under the display, delivering Apple's first truly uninterrupted screen without any notches or cutouts, a long-held dream for many users.
This seven-model offensive is a direct response to mounting pressure on iPhone revenue, which constitutes nearly half of Apple's $209 billion device sales. With growth slowing to just 4% year-over-year in fiscal 2025, the expanded lineup aims to sustain momentum while the company navigates challenges in artificial intelligence and fierce competition in key markets like India and China.
