![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/iphone-16-launch-apple-tim-cook.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\t<\/p>\n
The blueprint for Apple\u2019s annual iPhone releases has stayed fairly consistent for years, but changes have already started, and rumors say even more iPhone overhauls are coming.<\/p>\n
New iPhone models and release schedules will explore uncharted territory for Apple<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/iphone-17-pro-dark.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Starting last year with the iPhone 16e and iPhone Air introductions, Apple began deviating from its well-established iPhone patterns.<\/p>\n
Ever since 2020, Apple has launched four new flagship iPhones every fall: two \u2018standard\u2019 iPhones and two Pro models. For a while it also sold iPhone SE, but the budget model was rarely updated.<\/p>\n
But in early 2025, iPhone 16e arrived as a brand new member of the lineup. It launched in February, not September, and wasn\u2019t a one-off like iPhone SE. Instead, as iPhone 17e just proved<\/a>, it was part of a new annual pattern.<\/p>\n Then in fall 2025, iPhone Air launched and shook up the previous lineup of two standard iPhones and two Pro.<\/p>\n For a product as important to Apple\u2019s business as the iPhone, these changes were risks.<\/p>\n But rumors indicate even more risks are coming.<\/p>\n This fall, we\u2019re expecting only two or three new iPhones to launch: <\/p>\n iPhone 18 Pro<\/p>\n iPhone 18 Pro Max<\/p>\n and iPhone Fold, though it might arrive a bit later<\/p>\n The first foldable iPhone is a risk already due to being a brand new form factor. But one analyst suggests<\/a> it may not launch until December, adding another deviation to Apple\u2019s normal iPhone pattern.<\/p>\n Then in spring 2027, three more iPhones are expected:<\/p>\n iPhone 18e<\/p>\n iPhone 18<\/p>\n iPhone Air 2<\/p>\n And in fall 2027, the rumored \u2018iPhone 20\u2019 is coming<\/a> alongside other models. It\u2019s expected to have a fully cutout free display, with a screen that wraps around the bezels. It\u2019s unclear what Apple will call this new model, or how it will fit into the existing lineup.<\/p>\n Finally, recent reports<\/a> say that a flip-style folding iPhone is also being tested by Apple. Though any such product would likely be a couple years away or more.<\/p>\n iPhone roadmap: Innovation at its best, or bloated and confusing?<\/p>\n If you\u2019re keeping track, we\u2019re looking at six or more new iPhones launching each year or so:<\/p>\n iPhone e<\/p>\n iPhone<\/p>\n iPhone Air<\/p>\n iPhone Pro<\/p>\n iPhone Pro Max<\/p>\n iPhone Fold<\/p>\n \u2018iPhone 20,\u2019 perhaps named iPhone Ultra<\/p>\n maybe even an \u2018iPhone Flip\u2019<\/p>\n There are two main ways I\u2019ve been thinking about these rumored changes. They\u2019re either:<\/p>\n creating confusion and fragmentation in Apple\u2019s most important product<\/p>\n or ushering welcome innovation and diversification after years of more \u2018boring\u2019 and limited lineups<\/p>\n Personally, I\u2019m not sure where I land on the spectrum. In some respects, both seem true.<\/p>\n I love my iPhone Air, and am glad Apple designed a new model that feels truly unique. But the Air also hasn\u2019t sold well, and I get why. iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro fit neatly into Apple\u2019s previous patterns and have clear stories. The iPhone Air product story is fuzzy.<\/p>\n I\u2019m also very excited for the introduction of two major new iPhones in the coming 18 months: the first foldable model, and the rumored \u2018iPhone 20.\u2019 Each sounds likely to overhaul the iPhone experience in innovative ways.<\/p>\n I want these new models to exist. But I\u2019m simultaneously leery of the iPhone line getting bloated and confusing.<\/p>\n Apple\u2019s plans could always change, but based on what we know now, I\u2019m fascinated to see how the iPhone lineup shakes out in this era of many new models debuting.<\/p>\n What are your thoughts on Apple\u2019s rumored iPhone roadmap? Let us know in the comments.<\/p>\n Best iPhone accessories<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774066331_331_iphone-fold-mockup-red.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"iPhone](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/iPhone-20th-anniversary-mockup-ios26-01.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/iPhone-Air-hands-on-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
![\"Add](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1764226569_953_google-preferred-source-badge-dark.png\"){kind=icon}
![\"Add](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1764226570_221_google-preferred-source-badge-light.png\"){kind=icon}