From the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air to the bezel-free iPhone 19: What smartphones Apple plans to release by 2027

Apple is preparing sweeping changes to its iPhone lineup for the period between 2025 and 2027. According to analysts Wayne Ma and Ming-Chi Kuo, as reported by 9to5Mac, the company plans to introduce new models, including the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, the first foldable iPhone, and fully bezel-free flagships to mark the iPhone’s 20th anniversary in 2027. These changes will affect both the design and release schedule, splitting launches between fall and spring.

iPhone 17: A New Phase Begins in 2025

In fall 2025, Apple is expected to unveil four models in the iPhone 17 lineup: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The most notable change is the replacement of the Plus model with the iPhone 17 Air, which will become the thinnest smartphone in Apple’s history—measuring just 5.6 mm (excluding the camera bump).

Key features of iPhone 17 Air:

• Design: Ultra-thin body (5.6 mm at its thinnest point, up to 9.5 mm including the camera).
• Display: 6.6-inch LTPO OLED with ProMotion (120 Hz).
• Cameras: Single 48 MP rear camera and a 24 MP front-facing camera with a six-element lens.
• Processor: A19 chip (some reports suggest A19 Pro).
• Limitations: Smaller battery capacity (under 3000 mAh), potentially reducing battery life.

All iPhone 17 models will support ProMotion 120 Hz displays, previously exclusive to Pro versions, thanks to LTPO OLED technology. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will shift from titanium to aluminum frames and feature partially glass backs to support MagSafe. Pro models will also sport a new horizontal pill-shaped camera module, replacing the square layout seen in previous generations.

Expected launch timeline:

• Announcement: September 9 or 10, 2025
• Pre-orders: Starting September 12
• Sales begin: September 19

iPhone 17e and a New Release Schedule in 2026

In spring 2026, Apple will launch the iPhone 17e—a budget-friendly version of the iPhone 17 that retains core features such as the A19 chip and 8 GB of RAM. This follows the strategy introduced with the iPhone 16e in February 2025 and marks the beginning of a split release cycle: budget models in spring and flagship models in fall.

Fall 2026 iPhone lineup:

• iPhone 18 Air: Similar to iPhone 17 Air with minor updates.
• iPhone 18 Pro / Pro Max: Featuring under-display Face ID and a single punch-hole camera in the top-left corner—minimizing the Dynamic Island.
• iPhone 18 Fold: Apple’s first foldable smartphone, with a 7.8-inch internal screen and a 5.5-inch external display. Thanks to a high-quality hinge, the fold will be “nearly invisible.”

The standard iPhone 18 will not launch in fall—it will debut in spring 2027, marking the first time since 2011 that Apple has split its iPhone release schedule.

iPhone 19 and the 20th Anniversary of the iPhone in 2027

In spring 2027, Apple will launch the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e, both aimed at the budget segment. These models are expected to be manufactured in India, signaling Apple’s intent to reduce its reliance on Chinese production.

Fall 2027 flagship lineup:

• iPhone 19 Air: Larger display (over 6.6 inches).
• iPhone 19 Pro / Pro Max: Fully bezel-less design with no cutouts or punch-holes, thanks to under-display Face ID and a hidden front camera.
• iPhone 19 Fold: Second-generation foldable with enhanced durability and refined design.

These models—especially the completely bezel-free designs—are expected to be a symbolic leap forward, much like the iPhone X was in 2017. Apple may even brand them as iPhone 20 or iPhone Ultra to celebrate the milestone.

Strategic Shifts and Their Significance

Starting in 2026, Apple’s new release strategy includes two launch phases per year to:

• Better manage a broader lineup: With six models, including a foldable, splitting the schedule avoids production and marketing overload.
• Compete with Chinese brands: Launching budget models in spring allows Apple to challenge competitors that release flagships earlier in the year.
• Optimize production: Moving base-model manufacturing to India reduces dependency on China.

However, this approach has raised concerns. Some users on X and 9to5Mac comments worry that the split release schedule may confuse customers and dilute the hype surrounding fall launches.

Technical Highlights

• Chips: All iPhone 17 models will use A19 chips (with Pro models getting A19 Pro) built on TSMC’s 3nm process. Basic models will have 8 GB RAM, while Pros get 12 GB.
• Cameras: All iPhone 17s will feature a 24 MP front camera, doubling the resolution from iPhone 16.
• Displays: LTPO and ProMotion will become standard in all 2025 models. By 2027, Pro models will likely adopt fully bezel-free displays.
• Durability: iPhone 17 Pro models will feature anti-reflective, scratch-resistant coating superior to Ceramic Shield.

In Summary

Apple is preparing ambitious transformations for its iPhone lineup from 2025 to 2027, including the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, the foldable iPhone 18 Fold, and the fully bezel-free iPhone 19 Pro to mark the iPhone’s 20th anniversary. The new split release strategy reflects Apple’s push for flexibility and global competitiveness—but it may also create confusion among users. With upgraded chips, advanced cameras and displays, and a potential manufacturing shift to India, Apple aims to maintain industry leadership in an increasingly crowded market. The iPhone 17 launch in September 2025 will be the first step in this transformative journey.