Will there be no iPhone 19?

Instead of launching the iPhone 19, Apple could go straight to the iPhone 20 in 2027 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the line.

iPhone 17 Pro Max. Photo: The Verge .

At a conference held in Seoul, South Korea, Omdia researcher Heo Moo-yeol stated that Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 18e and the standard iPhone 18 in early 2027.

Next, the models launching in late 2027 include the iPhone 20 Pro, iPhone 20 Pro Max, the next-generation iPhone Air, and the second-generation foldable iPhone.

If the information is accurate, Apple will skip the iPhone 19 series and go straight to the iPhone 20. This also marks a new strategy for Apple to launch iPhones in two phases each year.

According to MacRumors , Apple's move may be aimed at celebrating the 20th anniversary of the iPhone's launch. Previously, in 2017, the company also skipped the iPhone 9, only introducing the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X (the Roman numeral for 10).

Back in May, sources from The Information and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo both suggested that Apple was considering shifting its iPhone launch schedule to two releases per year to maintain sales.

“The iPhone 18 lineup will include an upgraded ultra-thin iPhone, an iPhone Pro, a Pro Max, and a foldable model. By spring 2027, Apple plans to unveil the standard iPhone 18 and a successor to the iPhone 16e,” writes Wayne Ma of The Information .

Apple's new strategy could be implemented as early as next year. By introducing iPhones in the first and second halves of the year, Apple can avoid a sales model heavily focused on the fourth quarter, while taking advantage of periods that typically see weak consumer demand. This year's iPhone 17 is believed to be the last generation to be launched under the old model.

Changing the launch schedule could also help Apple manage new iPhone models more easily. The appearance of a foldable iPhone means the 2026 iPhone lineup will have 6 devices instead of 5. Therefore, launching in batches could reduce the number of workers that need to be hired at once.

The iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are based on an older, less complex design and are expected to undergo trial production in India. This is also Apple's new solution to minimize the risks of manufacturing in China.

iPhone 16e. Photo: Bloomberg .

According to a report shared by ETNews in August, Apple also informed several suppliers that the iPhone 18 would not be included in the late 2026 launch. Instead, the company would only unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max in September.

If the rumors are accurate, Apple will position the iPhone 18 as a budget model similar to the iPhone 18e. Apple launched the iPhone 16e in February of this year to replace the iPhone SE.

With the iPhone 18 discontinued, Omdia predicts demand for iPhones in 2026 will decrease. Apple is expected to temporarily reduce its iPhone display panel orders by 20 million units in 2026. This reduction could be offset by the introduction of foldable iPhones.

"The number of iPhone display panels shipped this year is expected to reach 245 million units, an increase compared to the same period last year."

"Although demand for iPhone display panels may decrease next year, the launch of a foldable iPhone in 2027 and a new launch strategy could restore production to around 250 million units," Heo said.

Source: https://znews.vn/se-khong-co-iphone-19-post1596508.html