50%
Plausible
The ‘usual suspects’ of Apple’s flagship iPhone 17 lineup comprise of four models, with the company introducing the iPhone 16e earlier this year, making it a total of five devices. Going forward, an analyst claims that the Cupertino giant will slowly but surely increase the number of iPhones each year, with 2027 witnessing the arrival of six handsets catering to different price brackets.
An increase in the number of iPhones comes from Apple’s adoption of the foldable form factor and introduction of successive low-cost options
A report from Chosun mentions a Daishin Securities analyst named Park Kang-ho, who talks about the shift in Apple’s iPhone launch strategy. Last year, the company introduced four models, and this year, the count has been raised to five, thanks to the arrival of the ‘budget’ iPhone 16e. Interestingly, the analyst did not make any predictions for 2026, which will be a crucial year for Apple as it will be the first time a foldable iPhone becomes a part of the family.
Additionally, we could witness an iPhone 17e materialize in early 2026, with the low-cost handset previously reported to undergo trial production soon this year. However, a possibility exists that Apple will not launch the base iPhone 18 in 2026, so it can make room for the foldable iPhone. In this manner, the company likely wants to make its flagship lineup appear less congested, and that can mean phasing out one device.
Then again, Apple could introduce the iPhone 18e and base iPhone 18 in 2027, with TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicting that both models will be announced at the same time. With two phones already marked for 2027, that leaves Apple with four flagships, which will be unveiled in the second half of the year, with one of the models being the successor to the original foldable iPhone.
As for why Park Kang-ho believes that Apple will make drastic changes to its launch strategies, it could be to offer a complete lineup that caters to the budget-friendly consumer, all the way to those who demand the very best, plus the affluent buyer who will splurge an unnecessary amount of cash on a premium foldable smartphone. Given that there are incredible Android alternatives cluttering the market, Apple likely wants to increase the number of iPhones to target a higher customer base and increase its shipment tally for the year.
The Cupertino firm already has an advantage in its software and hardware ecosystem. Moving forward, things are expected to get even more advanced as Apple brings forth a bevy of custom silicon that enhances performance, battery life, and overall experience. Unfortunately, since 2027 is a long way off, let us treat the analyst’s remarks with a pinch of salt and await more updates.
News Source: Chosun
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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