Apple gears up for biggest iPhone revamp in years, including first foldable model

WEB DESK: Apple is preparing to make some of the biggest changes to its iPhone lineup in years. If reports from tech insiders Wayne Ma and Ming-Chi Kuo are anything to go by, the next three years could see thinner designs, a foldable iPhone, and the first true all-screen model. 

The changes have already started in 2025 with the launch of the iPhone 16e, a new entry-level model that replaces the older iPhone SE. But the real action is expected this autumn, when Apple is set to reveal the iPhone 17 series. Among the new models are the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and a brand-new variant called the iPhone 17 Air. 

While the Pro versions will still cater to those who want top-end features, the iPhone 17 Air may grab most of the attention. Designed to replace the Plus model, it’s expected to be the slimmest iPhone ever, measuring just 5.6mm thick. That sleek look, however, could come at a cost. The Air model might lag behind in battery life and camera quality, two areas where the larger Pro Max is set to improve even further by getting thicker to fit a bigger battery. 

In 2026, Apple is expected to continue this trend of change. Early in the year, the company could launch the iPhone 17e, a more affordable version of the iPhone 17 with slight compromises. But the real highlight will come in autumn, when Apple may introduce its first foldable iPhone. Alongside it, the iPhone 18 Air, 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are also expected to arrive. 

One thing that may stand out is what’s missing: there may be no standard iPhone 18 in this batch. Apple seems to be saving that for later, giving the new foldable iPhone room to shine. The foldable model is rumoured to feature a 7.8-inch screen on the inside, a 5.5-inch screen on the outside, and a book-style design without a visible crease. It’s likely to carry a high price tag, but could mark a big leap in Apple’s hardware design. 

Meanwhile, the Air model should retain its slim design, and the Pro versions may get a cleaner display by removing the Dynamic Island and replacing it with a simple hole-punch camera.

By 2027, Apple could take things even further. The company is expected to release six different iPhones that year—its biggest lineup yet. In the spring, the delayed iPhone 18 and a lower-cost iPhone 18e may finally arrive. These would follow the earlier releases of the Air, Pro, and Fold models from the previous year. 

Then, in autumn, Apple may launch the iPhone 19 series: the Air, Pro, Pro Max, and Fold. This new lineup could bring bigger screens, especially for the Air, and may include the first truly all-screen iPhone, no notches, no cutouts, just display. If that happens, it would be a fitting way to mark the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, coming ten years after the launch of the iPhone X. 

For years, Apple has made only modest changes to its iPhones. The Plus model replaced the Mini, and the general look of the device has stayed largely the same. But if the current roadmap holds true, those days are over. The next few years could see the iPhone completely reimagined with thinner bodies, foldable screens, and cleaner displays that hint at the future of mobile design. 

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