On December 17, according to a report by Cailian Press, several people directly involved in Apple... Sources familiar with Apple’s product development and supply chain operations have revealed that Apple plans to significantly expand its smartphone product line over the next two years, potentially releasing at least seven new flagship models by the fall of 2027.
Specifically, the first foldable iPhone is expected to be released in the fall of 2026. Several people involved in the project say that the device, when unfolded, is wider than it is tall, resembling a smaller iPad.
Other planned releases include: the iPhone 17e (name to be determined) in Spring 2026, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in Fall 2026, the iPhone 18, iPhone 18e (name to be determined), iPhone Air 2 (name to be determined) in Spring 2027, and the 20th anniversary edition iPhone 20 (name to be determined). The 20th anniversary edition is expected to eliminate the black bezels and increase the screen size; Apple plans to place the front-facing camera under the screen, making it the first truly "full-screen" iPhone without a punch-hole.
This expansion continues Apple's gradual expansion strategy. In 2016, the iPhone SE targeted the entry-level market; in 2020, the iPhone 12 series introduced the mini model; and in 2025, the iPhone Air slim and lightweight product line will be added. Each round of expansion caters to different consumer needs.
The foldable iPhone, expected to debut in the fall of 2026, will be a key driver of Apple's renewed product line expansion. Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted that the device may feature a 7.8-inch seamless inner screen and a 5.5-inch outer screen. When folded, it will be approximately 9-9.5 mm thick, and when unfolded, 4.5-4.8 mm. The device may also include a front-facing camera and dual rear cameras.
According to a previous report by the Global Times, the core "crease-free" screen of Apple's first foldable iPhone has been finalized, and its supply chain partner , Foxconn, is responsible for its design. A dedicated production line was set up, but hinges and batteries... The product still does not meet the requirements for mass production, becoming a major obstacle to its implementation.
In terms of pricing, the foldable iPhone may cost as much as $2,000-$2,500, potentially making it one of the most expensive iPhones in Apple's history.
Behind the product line expansion lies Apple's proactive adjustment in response to growth pressures. The global smartphone market is currently fiercely competitive, especially with the growing influence of Chinese brands. Huawei has made a strong comeback in the high-end smartphone market, while Xiaomi, OPPO, and vivo, through the frequent release of flagship models and the integration of AI technology, have squeezed Apple's market share.
Apple's AI development has been rather slow. Renowned tech journalist Mark Gurman revealed that Apple's "Apple Intelligence" AI feature, originally planned for mid-2025 launch in China, has yet to materialize and its release has been delayed again. Gurman pointed out that the overall development of Apple Intelligence faces technical challenges, including engineering issues and poor model performance, and its deployment in China is even more complex.
According to Apple's financial report, in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, the company's revenue was $102.466 billion, an increase of 8% year-on-year, and net profit increased by 86% year-on-year. However, revenue in Greater China declined by 3.6% year-on-year, making it the only region with negative growth.
For Apple, in addition to boosting sales through various promotional activities, launching a new model that highlights its differentiated innovation capabilities has become particularly urgent.
(Article source: Jiemian News)
