UPDATE: Apple is set to revolutionize the smartphone market with major announcements from Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, revealing a lineup of three groundbreaking iPhones. The first model, the iPhone 17 Air, will launch next month at Apple’s annual fall event, and it promises to be the thinnest iPhone ever produced.
The iPhone 17 Air, expected to replace the iPhone 16 Plus, will reportedly feature a sleek design, thinner than even the notorious iPhone 6, which faced criticism during its launch in 2014. Gurman states the new device will be available in a striking “light blue” color, matching leaked dummy models. It will also utilize an Apple-made modem—possibly the same C1 chip found in the iPhone 16e—and is anticipated to include a single rear camera and support for eSIM only.
In a bold move, Apple is also developing a foldable iPhone, set for release in 2026. This device will adopt a book-style design, akin to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold. New details suggest that this innovative iPhone will feature Touch ID instead of Face ID, include four cameras, and eliminate the physical SIM card slot. It is rumored to utilize a second-generation modem, known as the “C2 chip,” and employ advanced “in-cell” display technology, which aims to reduce the visibility of the crease—a persistent challenge in foldable devices.
Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously indicated that Apple aims for a crease-free design, a feat no other manufacturer has yet achieved. The foldable smartphone market has seen competitors like Samsung and Motorola struggle with crease durability, but if Apple succeeds, it could redefine user expectations.
Looking further ahead, the third iPhone will not arrive until 2027, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone. Dubbed the “iPhone 2020,” this model will reportedly feature a revolutionary design with curved glass edges, aligning with a new animated Liquid Glass interface expected to debut with iOS 26.
As Apple aims to reinvigorate its brand amidst criticism for its AI advancements and recent design team departures, these new products may help restore consumer confidence. The anticipation surrounding the iPhone 17 Air and the foldable iPhone could spark renewed excitement among fans, potentially leading to long lines outside Apple Stores, reminiscent of pre-pandemic launches.
Stay tuned for updates as Apple prepares to unveil these innovative devices, with the first announcement expected in just a few weeks.
