So, you're looking for the latest on what's the next iphone. Honestly, the answer depends entirely on when you're planning to pull the trigger. If you walked into an Apple Store right now (it's early 2026, by the way), you'd see the iPhone 17 family sitting pretty on the shelves. But if you’re a "wait for the next big thing" person, the roadmap for the rest of this year is looking absolutely wild.
Apple isn't just doing the usual "slightly better camera" routine this time. They are fundamentally changing how the lineup works. We're looking at a spring surprise, a foldable that actually exists, and a Pro model that might finally ditch the "pill" at the top of the screen.
The Immediate Next: iPhone 17e (Coming Spring 2026)
If you need something soon but don't want to drop a grand, the iPhone 17e is the one to watch. Rumors from sources like 9to5Mac suggest this is dropping in the next month or two—likely February or March. It’s basically the "budget" pick of the 17-series, replacing the iPhone 16e.
It’s expected to start at $599. For that price, you’re getting the A19 chip, which is plenty fast, and finally, the Dynamic Island is coming to the entry-level tier. No more notch. The trade-off? You’re stuck with a single rear camera. It’s for the person who wants the new look and the AI features without the "Pro" tax.
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The Big September 2026 Lineup
This is where things get complicated. Usually, Apple drops four phones in September. This year, they’re reportedly splitting the launch.
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max
The flagships are still coming in September. These are the heavy hitters. The big rumor everyone is talking about? Under-display Face ID. Apple has been trying to hide those sensors for years. If the leaks from Digital Chat Station are right, the "pill" is shrinking into a tiny hole-punch for the camera.
They’ll run on a new A20 chip built on a 2nm process. That sounds like nerd-talk, but basically, it means the phone stays cooler while being way faster. We’re also hearing about a "variable aperture" camera. This would let you physically change how much light hits the sensor, similar to a real DSLR.
The iPhone Fold (or iPhone Ultra)
Yes, for real this time. After a decade of "will they, won't they," the foldable iPhone is pegged for a September 2026 debut. It’s expected to be a book-style folder, like the Galaxy Fold, but thinner.
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- Inner Display: Around 7.6 inches.
- Outer Display: 5.4 inches.
- Price: Be ready to cry—rumors say $2,000+.
It’ll likely use Touch ID instead of Face ID because fitting those 3D sensors into a folding screen is an engineering nightmare.
The iPhone 18 Air 2
The first "Air" (or Slim) model launched with the 17 series last year. It was 5.6mm thin. People loved the look but hated the single camera and the "okay" battery. The second generation is coming this fall to try and fix those gripes, though keeping it that thin while adding battery is a tough sell.
Why the Standard iPhone 18 is Missing
Here is the weird part. Most insiders, including MacRumors, are saying there will be no base iPhone 18 this September.
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Apple is reportedly pushing the "cheaper" models—the standard 18 and the 18e—to early 2027. Why? Probably to give the iPhone 17 and the new Fold more breathing room. It’s a massive shift in strategy. For the first time in forever, the "regular" iPhone won't be the star of the September show.
What You Should Actually Do
If you’re wondering what's the next iphone you should actually buy, here’s the breakdown based on your current situation:
- If you have an iPhone 13 or older: Don't wait for 2027. The current iPhone 17 is a massive jump, especially with the 120Hz ProMotion screens finally being standard across the board.
- If you want the "New Look": Wait for the iPhone 18 Pro in September. The move to a hole-punch display will be the biggest visual change since the iPhone X.
- If you want the Fold: Start saving now. $2,000 is a lot of money for a first-gen product, and Apple’s first-gen hardware is usually for the early adopters who don't mind a few bugs.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your trade-in value now. Apple usually drops trade-in prices right before a new launch.
- Avoid the iPhone 17 Air if you take a lot of zoom or wide-angle photos; that single-lens setup is a real limitation.
- Keep an eye on the March event. If the iPhone 17e launches, it will be the best value-for-money phone Apple has released in years.
Stay tuned for the spring event invites—that’s when we’ll know if the 17e is officially a go.