Once upon a time, there was just a single iPhone. Today, things are rather more complicated, with a choice of four new models plus two older ones remaining on sale directly from Apple.
Next year may see the most fragmented iPhone lineup we have ever seen in the company’s history – and that could be bad news for some of us …
The growing complexity of iPhone launches
One model at a time
From the launch of the original iPhone way back in 2007, through to the launch of the iPhone 5S, things were very straightforward – one new model at a time:
iPhone
iPhone 3G
iPhone 4
iPhone 4S
iPhone 5
iPhone 5S
(To keep things simple here, I’ll omit the various standalone cheaper models: the iPhone 5C, XR, the SEs and e models.)
Two models at a time
Things changed in 2014 when Apple started launching two models at the same time:
iPhone 6 + iPhone 6 Plus
iPhone 7 + iPhone 7 Plus
iPhone 8 + iPhone 8 Plus
iPhone X + iPhone XS
Three models at a time
Things moved on again in 2019, with a three-model line-up:
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
Though the two Pro models only varied in screen size and battery capacity.
Four models at a time
The following year we got four models:
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Again, size and battery capacity were the only differences between the two Pro models, and the same was true of the iPhone 13 and 14 line-ups. The only other change during these years is that the iPhone 14 lineup swapped the mini for the Plus.
There was a slight shake-up with the iPhone 15 range, in which the Pro Max got a 5x telephoto lens, while the Pro remained with a 3x one. Things were again equalized with the iPhone 16 lineup.
All change with the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air
This year, of course, saw a very significant change:
iPhone 17
iPhone 17 Pro
iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone Air
If we go by spec or price, then the iPhone 17 Pro Max remains the premium model in the lineup. However, the most exciting new model is the iPhone Air. Buyers were forced to choose between the best spec and the best form-factor and design.
I have a sinking feeling that things may get very much worse next year …
The 2027 line-up
Technically, next year we’ll still only see the launch of four models at a time. However, that technicality is because Apple is expected to launch the vanilla iPhone 18 on its own (well, alongside the iPhone 18e) earlier in the year.
But after the main launch, the full lineup (again omitting the 18e for consistency) is expected to be:
iPhone 18
iPhone 18 Pro
iPhone 18 Pro Max
iPhone Air (a minor update, most likely)
iPhone Fold
That potential fragmentation
In a perfect world, the iPhone Fold would be the unqualified premium model. That is to say, it will match the specs of the iPhone 18 Pro Max, including the cameras.
However, I’m beginning to have doubts about this, for three reasons.
First, with the iPhone Air Apple has already demonstrated that it’s willing to force people to choose between the most exciting new form factor and the specification.
Second, given that folding phones are already incredibly expensive to produce, I could see a possibility that Apple would compromise the cameras on this model for cost reasons.
Third, given that the iPhone Fold will be relatively heavy anyway, Apple may feel that the bulkier camera plateau of the Pro Max is just too much additional weight.
So we may end up in a situation where we have three competing premium models:
Want the sleekest iPhone? Buy the iPhone Air.
Want the most exciting new model and largest screen? Buy the iPhone Fold.
Want the best specs, at least on the camera front? Buy the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
While my wallet may be very much hoping for this, as it would save me from the Fold, I would personally be very disappointed. I absolutely love the idea of a phone which is roughly as portable as a Pro Max, but unfolds to effectively give you an iPad Mini on demand. However, given the importance of the camera capabilities to me, I would not be willing to sacrifice one or more of the cameras to get it.
Do you think my fears are justified? Or do you expect the iPhone Fold to be the outright winner, with specs that match that of the iPhone 18 Pro Max? As ever, please share your thoughts in the comments.
Highlighted accessories
Photo by nemo on Unsplash