The iPhone 16e has just been launched, but Apple is set to introduce four more models this fall, including the sleek iPhone 17 Air. However, according to Mark Gurman, 2026 could be an even more significant year for the iPhone, with two brand new designs in development: a foldable version and another yet-to-be-revealed design.
The iPhone lineup next year might feature two innovative designs
This weekend in his Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman discussed Apple’s current iPhone strategies for this year and the next, with a particular focus on the exciting developments expected in the upcoming year.
Gurman mentions in Bloomberg:
[Apple is] preparing a slimmer iPhone for later this year while also finalizing its first foldable device expected for 2026. Additionally, I’ve heard news of another new design for an iPhone in the same year.
There are two important points to consider here:
- Apple’s anticipated foldable iPhone is still on track for a 2026 release and is nearing completion of its development.
- A second new iPhone design is also slated for release in 2026.
This marks the first mention of two new iPhone designs for 2026.
It’s particularly intriguing, considering that Apple is set to unveil the new 17 Air design this year, alongside some significant updates to the iPhone 17 Pro models.
Although Gurman does not provide details about this second ‘new iPhone design,’ it will be interesting to observe Apple’s evolving plans as more information surfaces in the coming months.
Perhaps the standard iPhone 18 will showcase this new design, since it’s the only model in the iPhone 17 lineup not undergoing significant changes. However, Gurman’s phrasing suggests something more groundbreaking than just a basic model update.
While we still have some time before Apple reveals its 2026 iPhone lineup, these rumors certainly echo recent comments from CEO Tim Cook and hardware chief John Ternus about their increasingly ambitious iPhone roadmap.
What are your thoughts on what this mysterious new iPhone design for 2026 could entail? Share your insights in the comments.
