Alleged iPhone 17-19 Roadmap Leaked: Foldables and Spring Launches Ahead [Kuo]

TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has weighed in on reports that Apple plans to move to a twice-yearly iPhone release schedule, corroborating details recently published by The Information. This potential strategy change, expected to start in 2026, seems driven largely by increased competition, particularly in markets like China, and would spread new iPhone launches across the full year.

Kuo's report details a potential multi-year roadmap for iPhones spanning 2025 to 2027. Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Slim, and the standard iPhone 17 in the second half of 2025. Then, according to the report, the first half of 2026 could see the debut of a budget-focused iPhone 17e. Later that year, in the fall window, Apple might release its first foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Slim. Looking ahead to 2027, the first half could bring the standard iPhone 18 and a lower-cost iPhone 18e. The second half of 2027 is projected to include another foldable model, plus the iPhone 19 Pro Max, iPhone 19 Pro, and a larger iPhone 19 Slim.

iPhone Release Schedule
● 2H25: iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Slim, iPhone 17
● 1H26: iPhone 17e
● 2H26: iPhone Foldable, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Slim
● 1H27: iPhone 18, iPhone 18e
●2H27: iPhone Foldable 2 (already kicked off), iPhone 19 Pro Max, iPhone 19 Pro, iPhone 19 Slim (with a larger display vs. 18 Slim)


This potential change in launch timing appears aimed at countering competitors who often release new phones early in the year. Spreading iPhone debuts across the calendar could help Apple close the marketing gap that opens up before its usual fall events. Additionally, launching several models at once in the fall sometimes means less attention gets paid to standard or mid-range iPhones, as the high-end Pro models often dominate the conversation. A staggered release schedule might allow Apple to sustain marketing focus and give each part of its lineup more distinct time in the spotlight.

Kuo's forecast lines up with details from The Information's earlier report, which also suggested Apple was considering splitting the iPhone 18 launch between fall 2026 and spring 2027. That report mentioned Pro models would likely stick to the fall release, with standard and potentially lower-cost models arriving in the spring. The Information also noted that manufacturing trials for the spring iPhones might happen in India. This could help Apple manage production by spreading the workload throughout the year, rather than concentrating everything into the heavy ramp-up period before the fall launch.

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