- Apple is minting gold with the upcoming launches for iPhone 18, 19, and 20 series.
- iPhone 19 series might not exist and instead, we could see iPhone 20 launch in early months of 2027 followed by a full-fledged Pro series in September 2027.
- This comes from Omdia and based on references from Ming-Chi Kuo, possibly Apple is trying to coincide with the upcoming 20th anniversary for the iPhones in 2027.
Looks like the iPhone 20 series might come to the party a bit too soon. In fact, there might not be an iPhone 19, say various sources. Did that catch your attention, too? Well, let’s take a deeper dive into what’s cookin’.
Apple plans to launch iPhone 20 in early 2027
According to Heo Moo-yeol, Chief Researcher at Omdia (via ETNews), Apple might launch the standard iPhone 20 models in the first half of 2027, aka the fall season. The report suggests we might see iPhone 18e/19e in the first half of 2027, plus the standard iPhone 20.
Moving on, we will see the next-gen iPhone Air, iPhone 20 Pro, and the iPhone 20 Pro Max soon after in the second half of 2027. We will get a second-gen foldable iPhone during the same period as well, assuming the first foldable phone come sometime next year.
Anniversary strategy and naming patterns
2027 is when Apple celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Cupertino-based giant. This is in line with how Apple celebrated its 10th anniversary with the iPhone X in 2017, when the iPhone 8 series and X were launched. For the unversed, iPhone X is equal to the Roman numeral 10, which coincides with the 10th anniversary of iPhones.
Apparently, Apple skipped the iPhone 9 series at the time to commemorate its 10th anniversary. We could see the same thing happening with the iPhone 19 series now that we are reaching the iPhone’s 20th anniversary. However, it remains to be seen if the iPhone 19 series actually doesn’t exist.
Biannual launch approach
There’s a complex timeline for iPhone releases ahead, as Apple is trying to achieve a few objectives, though. For instance, it is aiming towards resetting the iPhone’s naming system in order to achieve a bull’s eye on the 20th anniversary.
Another pattern we could spot is with Ming-Chi Kuo, according to whom, Apple is opting for a biannual launch schedule. It means launching models in both halves of the year, which prevents concentrated sales patterns in the last quarter of the year, right after newer models launch in September.
What this means for consumers
If these reports hold true, 2027 could be a big year for Apple fans. Beyond the naming convention, fans can expect a broader range of devices, including the high-end Pro models, an upgraded iPhone Air, and possibly a foldable iPhone. While Apple has not officially confirmed these plans, the pattern aligns with past anniversary strategies and industry analyses.
As always, Apple’s official announcements will provide definitive details. Until then, the tech community will be closely watching for any further leaks and confirmations regarding the iPhone 20 and the potential omission of the iPhone 19.
