Five days before the keynote, a report outlines iPhone's plans up to 2028. Two separate releases are planned for 2027: an anniversary model with curved glass and the second generation of the foldable device. A third foldable model with larger displays is slated to follow in 2028.
Ahead of the Apple event on September 9th, Mark Gurman wrote for Bloomberg about the rumors circulating regarding upcoming iPhone models. His report extends beyond next week, listing models up to 2028. Gurman is one of the most reliable sources on Apple's product planning and regularly relies on people with insight into the preparations; while this doesn't constitute proof, his accuracy rate is unusually high.
What's new is primarily the focus on 2028. Up until the second generation of the foldable device, the situation was largely clear – the rumors surrounding the iPhone Ultra extend to that year. What comes after that has remained an open question.
Key Facts at a Glance
- In 2027, the iPhone year is expected to be split into two dates: spring and autumn.
- The anniversary model is expected to have curved glass all around and narrower edges.
- The second generation of the folding device is already deep into testing.
- A third foldable model with larger displays is being discussed for 2028.
- The iPhone Air 2 is expected to receive three major changes.
What's on the agenda in five days
The report first summarizes what is expected to be unveiled next week: the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max with a mechanical aperture, dark red and light blue as new colors, the A20 Pro chip, C2 modem, and longer battery life. Also expected is the foldable iPhone Ultra, which, according to the report, folds to about the size of a passport, features Touch ID, an improved hinge, and a price tag above $2,000.
There's hardly any new information in it. The report becomes interesting when it comes after.
2027: two dates instead of one
The base model is being pushed back from its fall release. The iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are expected to launch in spring 2027, while the Pro models will remain in the fall. The rumor that the 2027 iPhone lineup will consist of six models released in two waves has been circulating since the summer and is confirmed here.
The report mentions three key features for the iPhone Air 2: an ultra-wide camera, a faster chip, and longer battery life. The second generation of the foldable device is already deep into testing; only the new chip is specifically mentioned. This aligns with the June report that development of the successor had been approved.
The anniversary model will have curved glass
To mark the 20th anniversary of the first iPhone launch, the Pro series is expected to undergo a significant redesign: curved glass on all corners and edges, along with narrower bezels around the screen. The report describes this as the biggest overhaul of the Pro series since the iPhone X of 2017 – the model that replaced the Home button with Face ID and extended the screen almost to the edges for the first time.
This description isn't news, but rather confirmation. Reports about the curved glass have been circulating since spring; at one point, it was said that the design had been scrapped. The rumor mill surrounding the iPhone 20 contains both conflicting accounts. This new report sides with those who believe the design is still part of the plan. Whether Apple will be able to manufacture it in this form remains uncertain.
2028: a third folding model with more surface area
The only point regarding 2028 concerns the foldable device. The third generation is expected to have slightly larger screens, both inside and out, than the 2026 and 2027 models. The report provides no further details about this year's release.
This suggests that the folding device will not remain a one-off, but will become its own series with an annual release cycle – provided that sales launch this year.
Timetable overview
| Year | Models | Key information |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, iPhone Ultra | Mechanical aperture, foldable model over $2,000 |
| Spring 2027 | iPhone 18, iPhone 18e | The base model slips out of autumn. |
| Autumn 2027 | Pro models, iPhone Air 2, 2nd generation foldable device | Curved glass, narrower edges |
| 2028 | 3rd generation folding device | Larger screens, both indoors and outdoors |
What the timetable reveals about Apple's schedule
What's striking isn't so much the individual model, but the rhythm. For two years running, three different model lines are released simultaneously in the fall, while the base model is released in the spring. This would mean Apple has new iPhones in its lineup year-round instead of a single major release date.
For you, this mainly means that purchase times will shift: Anyone who wants the cheapest current model will no longer wait for September from 2027 onwards, but for spring.
At the same time, the timetable remains a snapshot. A report extending to 2028 describes planning stages, not decisions – in the case of the anniversary model, the presentation has already changed twice within a few months.
Which part of the timetable would make you want to switch: the anniversary model with curved glass in autumn 2027 or a larger folding device a year later? Let us know in the comments what you're waiting for.
