Apple consumers should prepare for a crowded shelf, as the company plans to significantly widen its array of smartphone options. By 2027, the iPhone lineup is set to expand to seven distinct models. Among the most intriguing additions is the “iPhone Air,” a device that promises to shake up the current naming conventions and design expectations. This expansion moves the company away from its streamlined past into an era of specialized devices for every user niche.
The iPhone Air is positioned as a unique entity within this new ecosystem. Unlike the standard or Pro models, the Air is described as a technology exercise, essentially a prototype bridging the gap to future form factors. It will be used primarily to test new components and ultra-thin design architectures. Because of its experimental nature, it will not be a mass-market product nor will it see annual updates, making it a rare collector’s item for tech purists.
This diversification allows Apple to experiment without risking its core sellers. While the Air pushes boundaries, the standard iPhone 18 and a new “e” version will continue to serve the general public. These standard models are slated for a spring release starting in 2026, separating them from the high-end Pro models. This separation ensures that the experimental nature of the Air or the lower price point of the “e” series doesn’t confuse the branding of the flagship devices.
The expansion also creates space for the much-rumored foldable iPhone, expected in 2026. By having seven slots in the lineup, Apple can afford to have a “star” foldable device that sits alongside, rather than replaces, the traditional Pro models. This broad portfolio strategy mirrors the approach taken by some competitors but retains Apple’s premium ecosystem lock-in, giving users more reasons to stay within the walled garden.
Ultimately, expanding to seven models signals that Apple is no longer treating the iPhone as a singular product, but as a diverse category of computing. Whether a user wants a foldable screen, an ultra-thin prototype, a budget-friendly “e” model, or a powerhouse Pro, the 2027 lineup aims to have a specific answer. It is an ambitious scaling of operations that will test the company’s ability to market distinct identities for seven different phones.