Apple may skip a number to mark the iPhone’s 20th anniversary
We might not see an iPhone 19.
By Shawn Tan -
Apple is reportedly planning a rebrand of its 2027 iPhone lineup to mark the device’s 20th anniversary.
According to Omdia Chief Research Heo Moo-yeol, Apple could launch the iPhone 20 Pro, iPhone 20 Pro Max, and a second-generation foldable iPhone in the second half of 2027.
While Heo did not reveal the reason behind the name change, it’s speculated that Apple may use the rebrand to reset the naming convention and refresh the iPhone lineup.
There’s also precedent for such a move — in 2017, Apple skipped the iPhone 9 and launched the iPhone X alongside the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus to celebrate the iPhone’s 10th anniversary.
“A major shake-up” is said to be planned for the 2027 iPhone lineup, with a “bold new Pro model” using more glass materials. There are also rumours of an all-screen iPhone launching that year.
Heo’s remarks align with earlier reports suggesting a change in Apple’s iPhone release cycle starting in 2026. The Information stated that Apple will adopt a staggered launch schedule, with flagship models debuting in fall 2026 and standard models following in spring 2027. A leaked internal roadmap also indicates that up to nine iPhone models could be released over the next two years.