·
·
Friday, 7 August 2026dailybeirut.com
Tech & Science
Apple will launch nine iPhone models over 2026 and 2027, featuring a foldable device and AI-enhanced glasses.
Over the next two years, Apple intends to introduce nine different iPhone models, ranging from a high-end foldable priced above $1,999 to a budget-friendly "e" variant, culminating in the most extensive redesign since the iPhone X.
The initial release is scheduled for autumn 2026, presenting three flagship devices: the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the anticipated foldable iPhone Ultra. The Ultra model is expected to be priced between $1,999 and $2,500, positioning it as a competitor to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold lineup. Early production of this first-generation foldable is likely to face supply limitations.
Following this, spring 2027 will see the launch of three more iPhones: the base iPhone 18, a budget iPhone 18e, and an updated ultrathin model tentatively named iPhone Air 2. These devices will broaden Apple's lineup by providing more affordable options beyond the current Pro-focused offerings.
Apple will bypass the iPhone 19 designation, opting instead for the iPhone 20 to mark the brand's 20th anniversary. This flagship will feature a comprehensive redesign, including a quad-curved OLED screen wrapping all four edges, a reduced Dynamic Island cutout, and Face ID integrated beneath the display. Samsung will supply the display panels, although a production compromise involving a magnesium-silver cathode may reduce brightness in 2027 models, with improvements expected in 2028.
In addition to the iPhones, 2027 will introduce two new product categories: augmented reality smart glasses and AirPods equipped with built-in cameras, known internally as B798. These devices aim to enhance Siri's visual intelligence by allowing it to interpret the user's surroundings and provide context-sensitive assistance. No privacy framework has been disclosed yet, an important consideration as regulators in the US and Europe scrutinize camera-enabled public devices. The camera-equipped AirPods are anticipated to launch in fall 2027.
The expansion to nine iPhone variants over two years significantly increases Apple's market coverage but also adds complexity for consumers choosing among models. The foldable Ultra and the iPhone 20 redesign are the most prominent innovations, with Apple’s ability to deliver functional curved displays and AI wearables on time being a critical factor given past hardware production challenges.
