In what could be the most dramatic redesign of the iPhone since its 2007 debut, Apple is reportedly preparing to launch three revolutionary iPhone models in as many years, starting as soon as 2026. According to multiple leaks from industry insiders and analysts, the tech giant plans to introduce a foldable iPhone, a completely bezel-free “slab of glass” design, and a clamshell-style flip phone aimed at fashion-conscious users.
The ambitious roadmap, if realized, would mark Apple’s most aggressive product expansion in decades, signaling a clear response to growing competition and shifting consumer tastes.
The Three-Year Revolution: A New iPhone for Every Taste
- 2026: The “iPhone Fold” Arrives
Apple’s first foldable is rumored to open like a book, featuring a 7.8-inch creaseless display, dual rear cameras, and the potential return of Touch ID. Some reports suggest Face ID could be embedded under the screen. With an estimated price tag of nearly $2,000, it aims to compete with refined versions of Samsung and Google foldables—but with Apple’s signature “perfected” approach. - 2027: Bezel-Free iPhone for the 20th Anniversary
To celebrate the iPhone’s 20th year, Apple may release a device that has long been its dream: a completely bezel-free iPhone. Described as a “flat candy bar,” it would use a flexible OLED display that curves around all four edges. Tech commentator M.G. Siegler calls it “the biggest flagship upgrade since the iPhone X.” - 2028: The “iPhone Flip” Enters the Fashion Scene
A clamshell-style flip iPhone is reportedly targeted at the “women’s and fashion markets.” It would fold vertically, featuring a utilitarian outer screen for notifications and AI shortcuts—a stylish and compact alternative to today’s large-screen smartphones.
Learning from Failure: The iPhone Air’s Quiet Demise
Amid these bold plans, Apple is also dealing with the disappointing performance of its recent ultra-thin iPhone Air. According to noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is slashing production by up to 80%, with some components being phased out entirely by the end of 2025.
Launched as the slimmest iPhone ever at just 5.6mm, the iPhone Air failed to capture consumer interest due to significant compromises:
- A single rear camera
- Mono speaker setup
- Premium pricing despite reduced features
- Consumer skepticism around battery life
The iPhone Air’s struggle mirrors Samsung’s experience with its slim Galaxy S25 Edge, which also saw canceled successors after poor sales. Kuo notes that the standard iPhone and Pro models already “cover the majority of high-end user demand,” leaving little room for experimental mid-tier designs.
More iPhones, More Often
Beyond the trio of radical designs, Apple is also expanding its lineup with more frequent releases. Leaks suggest the company could launch six iPhones in 2027 alone, including:
- Early-year releases of the iPhone 18e and standard iPhone 18
- A September launch of Pro models, a second-gen foldable, and the 20th-anniversary bezel-free flagship
This signals a clear shift from Apple’s traditional annual cycle to a more fluid, multi-tier release strategy that offers “a device for every pocket.”
Expert Insight: Why Apple is Taking Big Risks Now
According to M.G. Siegler of Spyglass, Apple’s sudden burst of experimentation reflects a company eager to “get back to its roots” after facing criticism over its delayed AI offerings. The push for new form factors is not just about innovation—it’s about reclaiming narrative control and exciting consumers in a saturated market.
“Amidst all the AI hype,” Siegler notes, “everyone still needs to run all of this newfangled technology somewhere.”
Apple is Betting Big on Design Again
After years of incremental updates, Apple appears ready to revolutionize the iPhone once more. With a foldable model, a bezel-free dream device, and a trendy flip phone all reportedly in the pipeline, alongside a sobering lesson from the iPhone Air, the next three years could redefine what an iPhone can be.
One thing is clear: Apple isn’t just iterating anymore. It’s reinventing.
