Apple is shifting its approach from releasing four new iPhone models annually to six by adding foldable and bezel-less versions expected soon.
Apple is revising its iPhone launch strategy, which since 2020 involved introducing four new models per year, with budget options like the iPhone 16e and iPhone 17e added in the past two years for early-year releases.
Under this new approach, early-year launches will focus on the "e" series alongside a new design model called the iPhone Air.
Meanwhile, the familiar late-year launch will continue to feature the standard iPhone and iPhone Pro models, with the addition of a new model, the iPhone Fold.
This new strategy will start in 2026 with the arrival of the iPhone Fold, Apple's first foldable iPhone, although its launch might be shifted to December to ensure software completeness and proper distribution channels.
The most anticipated release is the iPhone 20 in 2027, expected to showcase the biggest design change since the iPhone X, featuring a notch-free and bezel-less display, and positioned as a model priced above the iPhone Pro Max.
However, launching six models annually raises concerns about product overlap, especially with the first-generation iPhone Air, which, despite its attractive design, has struggled to convince consumers why they should choose it over the standard or Pro iPhones, resulting in sales below expectations.
Source:9to5Mac