BREAKING: Apple is making waves in the smartphone world with major updates to its iPhone lineup. According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, new details have emerged about not one, but three revolutionary models, including a highly anticipated foldable iPhone expected to launch in 2026.
The first of these models, the iPhone 17 Air, is set to debut at Apple’s annual fall launch event next month. Reports indicate this will be Apple’s thinnest phone ever, even slimmer than the controversial iPhone 6 that faced bending issues in 2014. The 17 Air is expected to replace the iPhone 16 Plus, offering a stylish “light blue” option, and will utilize an Apple-made modem, potentially the same C1 chip found in the iPhone 16e. It will feature a single rear camera and support eSIM only.
But that’s not all. The second model, a foldable iPhone similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold, is slated for release in 2026. This device aims to differentiate itself with a design that not only includes Touch ID instead of Face ID but also boasts four cameras and does away with a physical SIM card slot. The foldable iPhone may feature a second-generation modem known as the C2 chip and employ innovative “in-cell” display technology designed to minimize the visible crease that plagues current foldable models.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously indicated that Apple’s foldable iPhone would strive for a crease-free design, a challenge that has stymied other manufacturers. Consumers are eager to see if Apple can achieve this breakthrough.
The third model, expected to launch in 2027 to coincide with the iPhone’s 20th anniversary, will reportedly feature a complete redesign, moving away from the glass and flat metal sides introduced with the iPhone 12 series. This “iPhone 2020” will incorporate “curved glass edges all around,” aligning with the new glossy, animated Liquid Glass interface set to debut with iOS 26.
These innovations come as Apple faces scrutiny over its design direction and competition in the smartphone market. Recent challenges with AI integration and the departure of key design team members have raised questions about Apple’s status as a technology leader. However, the introduction of the iPhone 17 Air, followed by the foldable and all-glass iPhones, could reignite consumer excitement and drive foot traffic to Apple Stores, echoing demand levels not seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
As these developments unfold, tech enthusiasts and Apple fans alike are urged to stay tuned for the upcoming launch event. The future of the iPhone looks promising, with groundbreaking designs on the horizon that could reshape the mobile landscape once again.