Most of us may still be focused on the iPhone 17 now that the new models Apple announced this month are available in stores. But at Apple, attention has alreacy turned to the next iPhone release — and realistically, even the one after that.
That’s the nature of the smartphone business, where companies don’t have the luxury of resting on their laurels. Step back to admire your latest release, and your competitor will soon surprise you with a follow-up device of their own, as they try to steal your thunder.
This game of smartphone leapfrog is relevant to anyone considering buying a phone, too. After all, you may want to hold off on purchasing a new device if you’re pretty confident that something more appropriate is waiting in the wings for its turn.
With that in mind, we’ve got a pretty good idea of what Apple may be planning for a follow-up to the iPhone 17, even if the four new models still have their new phone smell. If you’re contemplating an iPhone purchase right now, here’s what Apple might be working on next — and when you can expect it — so you can buy your next phone with confidence.
Next up: The iPhone 17e
Back when Apple’s midrange phones were known as the iPhone SE, you never knew when a new model would be out — just that you’d have to wait. Four years passed between the original iPhone SE and the 2020 version, and the iPhone SE 2022 showed up a couple years later just so that Apple could get a 5G version out. The iPhone 16e didn’t arrive for another three years.
But rumors claim we’re not in for a long wait for a new E series phone. Most expect an update to arrive in 2026, with one rumor suggesting a May release for the iPhone 17e.
Normally, I’d say that was fairly late in the year for such a release. The iPhone 16e arrived this past February, while the iPhone SE models typically showed up in March or April. Then again, that should suggest that there’s no set pattern for a midrange iPhone release.
We’re a bit more clear on what Apple would do with an iPhone 17e — adopt a lot of the features it just introduced with the iPhone 17. It’s really just a question of which iPhon 17 features show up on the iPhone 17e, and which ones Apple reservers for its flagships.
I’ve already made my guesses, but if I had to say, besides an A19 chipset for the iPhone 17e, we’re looking at a phone with a Ceramic Shield 2 casing and a Dynamic Island feature instead of a notch. I’d be less certain about the iPhone 17e picking up the iPhone 17’s larger 6.3 screen and faster 120Hz refresh rate.
Fall 2026 iPhone releases
Given Apple’s track record, you’d think that the iPhone 18 release schedule would be easier to predict. Apple nearly always its latest flagship models in the fall — September, specifically — featuring new versions of its latest models. So, you’d have the iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and whatever Apple ends up calling the iPhone Air follow-up replacing the phones Apple just released.
If you want to be especially bold, you could even pick a date in September 2026 for the launch event. Apple likes holding its events in the second week of September, which would put the launch date during the week of September 7. Only the U.S. Labor Day holiday — which falls on September 7 next year — adds some mystery into Apple’s usual schedule.
But before we get too deep into assuming it’s business as usual for Apple next year, a different iPhone update schedule could be in the works. There’s rumors Apple would split its release schedule starting with the iPhone 18 lineup.
Specifically, The Information reported earlier this year that Apple would launch the high-end iPhones first in fall 2026 — that would be the Pro phones and a mystery device we’ll talk about in a moment. then in the following spring, Apple would show off the regular iPhone 18, an iPhone Air follow-up and an iPhone 18e model.
Reportedly, Apple would make this switch to give iPhone sales a swift kick and spread them out throughout the year. I’m not sure I agree with that suggested reasoning, as I think consumers are pretty used to contemplating Apple flagship upgrades in the fall.
Nevertheless, there’s not a lot of details out there about the phones themselves — not surprising considering we’re a year out form launch. In fact, most of the rumors we’ve heard so far concern what won’t be on the iPhone 18, such as under-display FaceID technology. Another report suggests that Apple won’t make many design changes from the iPhone 17 Pro for its next Pro models.
Finally, a foldable iPhone
I mentioned a mystery device joining Apple’s phone lineup next fall. That would be the long-rumored iPhone Fold, a foldable device that many people expect could arrive as soon as next year. And not a moment too soon, really.
Samsung is now up to the seventh generation of its Galaxy Z Fold device, which the iPhone Fold is said to resemble based on reports from reputable sources like Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Others, like Google, OnePlus and Motorola have also come out with foldable phones while Apple has sat on the sidelines, and that’s before we even consider the multiple folding options available in China.
If you believe some rumors, Apple has been working to address some of the issues surrounding foldables — notably the crease that appears in the display where the phone folds in half. That’s apparently something the iPhone Fold will be able to tackle once it debuts.
The just-released iPhone Air is thought to be a precursor to the iPhone Fold — proof-of-concept that Apple can make a thin device that still delivers top performance. With the Air now available to generally positive reviews, it’s thought that 2026 would be the Fold’s coming-out party — probably at the same time when Apple typically releases its fall phones, wether that’s just the iPhone 18 Pro models next year or an entire revised lineup.
Apple’s 2026 outlook for phones
These rumored phone plans could have an impact on whether you buy one of the current best iPhones or wait for another device to arrive next year. Bargain hunters may do well to hold out for the iPhone 17e in the first half of the year, while anyone who’s been waiting for a foldable iPhone may want to start saving their pennies, as rumors tip the device to be even more expensive than the $1,199 iPhone 17 Pro Max by some measure.
I’m a big believer that you buy a new phone when you need a new phone if the current offerings deliver what you’re looking for in a device. Based on the Tom’s Guide reviews, the new iPhones are certainly formidable choices. But if you believe the rumors, there’s plenty coming down the pike that will be here before you know it.
More from Tom’s Guide