The highly anticipated iPhone 17 series launch is still over a month away, but there is talk already of a biggest-ever iPhone lineup in the future.
The current iPhone lineup has five models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, plus the newly introduced iPhone 16e. With the iPhone 17 series, Apple is tipped to replace the Plus variant with the slim and light iPhone 17 “Air”, which will be released alongside the base iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max this September. The iPhone 17e will likely see a spring 2026 launch, keeping the total models still at five.
But that might change with the iPhone 18.
iPhone 18 Lineup Could Be Apple's Biggest
Apple may introduce six models as part of its iPhone 18 series (its biggest lineup yet), prior to the launch of the iPhone 19 series, tipster Instant Digital has posted on Chinese social media site Weibo. These six iPhones are anticipated to be introduced between September 2026 and mid-2027, with all models potentially falling under the iPhone 18 category.
Below is the list of probable iPhone 18 models:
iPhone 18
iPhone 18 Air
iPhone 18 Pro
iPhone 18 Pro Max
iPhone “Fold” (foldable iPhone)
iPhone 18e
However, Apple could add a surprising twist to the launch timeline of these different iPhones.
iPhone 18 Launch Timeline
The iPhone launch event in September 2026 may never see the release of the iPhone 18 (base model) after all. In a twist in timeline, the Cupertino tech major is likely to bring all the focus of the September event to its premium lineup, reserving its low-cost models for a 2027 release.
The timeline could be split in two, reportedly as part of Apple's new launch strategy:
September 2026: iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Fold.
2027 (Likely March): iPhone 18, iPhone 18e.
Which means those looking to refresh their base iPhones in 2026 (instead of this year) may not be able to do so. They might have to wait another six months or so to get their hands on the iPhone 18/iPhone 18e, or choose to go with the premium Pro versions.
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