Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Apple May Split 2027 iPhone Launches Around Anniversary
Apple may change how it releases iPhones in 2027.
The regular iPhone 18 could arrive in the spring instead of the usual fall.
The iPhone 18e and a second iPhone Air may arrive at the same time.
Apple could release new Pro models later in 2027.
Some reports say those phones might be called iPhone 20 instead of iPhone 19.
This would celebrate 20 years of the iPhone.
The new phones may have much more glass in their design.
However, another report says the most ambitious glass design may have been canceled because it was difficult to manufacture.
Apple may release the standard iPhone 18 in the first quarter of 2027, after launching Pro models in September 2026.
Reports say Apple could introduce the iPhone 18e and second-generation iPhone Air alongside the base iPhone 18.
Omdia researcher Heo Moo-yeol says Apple may skip the iPhone 19 and launch iPhone 20 Pro models in late 2027.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that the anniversary Pro models could use a largely glass design with curved front and rear panels.
Supply-chain checks cited by Jefferies analyst Edison Lee reportedly say the more ambitious all-glass design was canceled because of poor production yields.
- Who
- Apple, with reports from Omdia, Bloomberg, Pegatron and Jefferies analysts.
- What
- Apple may split its iPhone launches in 2027 and possibly skip the iPhone 19 name for anniversary Pro models.
- When
- The standard iPhone 18 is reportedly expected in the first quarter of 2027, with new Pro models later that year.
- Where
- The articles do not specify a location.
- Why
- The reported naming change is linked to the iPhone’s 20th anniversary, while the schedule change reflects Apple’s reported shift away from a single September launch.
Reported Anniversary Plan
Unconfirmed or Canceled Plan
Product naming
Reported Anniversary Plan
Omdia researcher Heo Moo-yeol says Apple may skip iPhone 19 and launch iPhone 20 Pro and iPhone 20 Pro Max for the iPhone’s 20th anniversary.
Unconfirmed or Canceled Plan
The name has not been officially confirmed, and reports also discuss the possibility of an iPhone 19-branded generation.
Glass design
Reported Anniversary Plan
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that the 2027 Pro models could use a fresh design made primarily of glass, with curved front and rear panels.
Unconfirmed or Canceled Plan
Jefferies analyst Edison Lee, citing supply-chain checks, reportedly said the more ambitious all-glass anniversary design was canceled because of poor production yields.
Launch timing
Reported Anniversary Plan
Reports citing Apple’s supply chain and Bloomberg say the base iPhone 18 could launch in spring 2027, with a separate Pro generation later in the year.
Unconfirmed or Canceled Plan
Apple has made no official announcement confirming the reported schedule, and the timing remains subject to change.
- Reported spring launch
- The base iPhone 18 could arrive as early as March 2027.
- Reported 2026 launch
- The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are reportedly planned for September 2026.
- Additional spring models
- Reports mention the iPhone 18e and second-generation iPhone Air for the same period as the base iPhone 18.
- Possible anniversary name
- Omdia says Apple may skip iPhone 19 and use iPhone 20 for the late-2027 Pro models.
- Reported design
- Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says the anniversary Pro models may feature curved front and rear glass with a thin metal band.
- Design uncertainty
- Jefferies analyst Edison Lee reportedly said supply-chain checks indicated that the all-glass variant was canceled because of poor production yields.