Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has just revealed Apple’s latest iPhone roadmap, including major details about upcoming models like the iPhone 17, iPhone 18, iPhone 19, and a highly anticipated foldable iPhone.

A new two-release strategy for iPhones

According to Kuo, Apple is planning to release an iPhone 17e in the first half of 2026. This supports recent speculation that Apple will adopt a biannual iPhone release strategy.

In his report released Monday, Kuo outlined Apple’s expected product timeline for the next two years as follows:

Second half of 2025: iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Slim, iPhone 17
First half of 2026: iPhone 17e
Second half of 2026: Foldable iPhone, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Slim
First half of 2027: iPhone 18, iPhone 18e
Second half of 2027: Foldable iPhone 2 (already in development), iPhone 19 Pro Max, iPhone 19 Pro, iPhone 19 Slim (featuring a larger screen than the iPhone 18 Slim)

Earlier this year, Apple launched the iPhone 16e, a more affordable version of the iPhone 16 priced from USD 599, replacing the iPhone SE line. While The Information recently published a comprehensive list of projected iPhone releases through 2027 - including the iPhone 18e in spring 2027 - it made no mention of the iPhone 17e. Kuo’s latest information confirms its existence in Apple’s official product roadmap.

According to Kuo, beginning in 2026, Apple intends to split iPhone launches into two waves - a significant departure from its long-standing autumn-only release schedule, which began with the iPhone 4S in 2011.

This shift is driven by two key factors: competitors increasingly release their flagship smartphones in the first half of the year, leaving a media vacuum Apple aims to fill; and the growing iPhone product range, which makes it harder to market all models simultaneously without diluting brand messaging.

The 20th-anniversary iPhone Pro to feature groundbreaking design

Chinese smartphone makers such as Xiaomi, Huawei, OPPO, and Vivo have been steadily eroding Apple’s market share in China by launching strong flagship devices, often early in the year. Huawei’s resurgence in the premium segment has presented significant challenges for Apple.

This strategic overhaul signals Apple’s serious effort to maintain its global competitiveness while expanding its lineup with foldable models, ultra-slim “Air” editions, and budget-friendly “e” versions.

iPhone 19 Air set to impress

Apple is expected to release the iPhone 19 Air in the second half of 2027 as part of this evolving strategy. According to Kuo’s new roadmap, the iPhone 19 Air will feature a larger display than the iPhone 18 Air, which is slated for release a year earlier.

While Kuo did not reveal exact display dimensions, he emphasized that the new model will have a “larger screen than the 18 Slim.” The “Slim” designation is believed to refer to Apple’s rumored ultra-thin iPhone - anticipated to debut this September and currently being referred to by industry insiders as the iPhone 17 Air.

Leaks suggest the iPhone 17 Air will feature a 6.6-inch display, larger than the standard iPhone 17 but smaller than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

The expansion of the Air lineup appears to be a key component of Apple’s product diversification strategy in response to intensifying market competition.

Notably, 2027 will mark the 20th anniversary of the iPhone. According to The Information, at least one model released that year will introduce a truly all-screen design.

Hai Phong (Macrumors - The Information)