Why Apple Might Leap to iPhone 20 in 2027 – and What That Means for iPhone 18

Apple’s product roadmap has always followed a rhythm – a reliable annual upgrade, incremental innovation, and the occasional design revolution. But if new reports are to be believed, that rhythm could soon be disrupted. According to a senior researcher at Omdia, quoted by Korea’s ETNews, Apple is planning something bold for 2027: skipping the iPhone 19 entirely and launching straight into the iPhone 20 lineup to coincide with the iPhone’s 20th anniversary. That’s right – a naming leap that mirrors the scale of its ambitions.

For a company known for meticulous branding and evolutionary naming, this potential jump is as intriguing as it is puzzling. The rumored plan envisions the iPhone 20 family debuting in two waves during 2027. The first half would see the introduction of a new budget-friendly iPhone 18e, followed by the main iPhone 20 series – the Air, Pro, and Pro Max – later in the year. What makes this forecast even more compelling is the mention of a second-generation foldable iPhone joining the lineup, suggesting that Apple’s first folding device might finally arrive in 2026.

But that’s where things start to get complicated. If Apple does launch the iPhone 20 in early 2027, it raises a big question: what happens to the iPhone 18 and iPhone 19? Reports now suggest the company might completely skip those iterations – a move almost unheard of in its history. It’s an unusual but symbolic choice that could mark a dramatic rebranding moment for Apple, designed to celebrate two decades of the iPhone with something that feels truly forward-looking.

The iPhone 18 Mystery – and the Missing Base Model

While the iPhone 17 series has been praised for its balanced design and accessible pricing, analysts believe there may not be a standard iPhone 18 next year. Instead, Apple could focus on premium models such as the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, alongside a potential iPhone Air 2. This would mean that Apple’s once-mainstream, non-Pro iPhone could vanish for at least one cycle – a controversial move, considering how successful the base iPhone 17 has been across key markets like the U.S. and China.

The reasoning might be tied to the introduction of a new product category – the rumored foldable iPhone. With so much attention and resources directed at perfecting a flexible-display device, Apple could be streamlining its lineup temporarily. Yet, if the iPhone 18 trio lacks a vanilla model, that risks alienating users who prefer affordability and simplicity over pro-tier specs. It’s a gamble that could reshape Apple’s sales landscape, especially since the standard iPhone series often drives the bulk of unit volume globally.

Will the Second-Gen iPhone Air Fill the Gap?

If Apple indeed chooses to skip the base model, the iPhone Air 2 might become the spiritual successor to the non-Pro line – positioned as a thinner, lighter, and possibly cheaper alternative to the flagship Pro models. Some industry watchers even speculate that it could emerge as Apple’s most affordable 2026 release, effectively replacing the ‘regular’ iPhone. But this brings its own set of challenges. The first-generation iPhone Air reportedly underperformed, and resurrecting it would require not just smart marketing, but also meaningful differentiation.

Apple could lean on design – perhaps an ultra-thin frame, lighter materials, or a new chip architecture – to make the Air 2 stand out. If timed right, it could fill the void left by the absent base iPhone and soften the market shock before the iPhone 20’s anniversary splash.

The 2027 Vision: iPhone 20 and Beyond

The rumored iPhone 20 lineup represents more than just a naming stunt – it signals a milestone moment. Apple could use the occasion to unveil substantial technological shifts: maybe an entirely portless design, advanced under-display Face ID, or even deeper AI integration through the iOS ecosystem. The first half of 2027 might welcome the iPhone 18e for budget buyers, while the second half would deliver the high-end spectacle – the iPhone 20 Air, Pro, Pro Max, and possibly the iPhone Fold 2. If executed correctly, this staggered release could create year-round hype, though it also risks fragmenting consumer interest.

However, skipping the iPhone 19 could confuse consumers and disrupt Apple’s historically steady branding pattern. For many fans, numbering continuity carries emotional weight – it represents progress and predictability. Skipping two generations in name could make the iPhone 20 feel less like a natural evolution and more like a marketing gimmick. Still, Apple has shown before that when it breaks tradition, it usually does so with purpose – as with the leap from iPhone 8 to iPhone X, which heralded the era of edge-to-edge displays.

Why This Strategy Might Backfire

There’s also the risk that the iPhone 20’s spring debut alongside the iPhone 18e could dilute its impact. Launching a flagship alongside an entry-level model may cause brand hierarchy confusion, with the cheaper phone stealing attention or dragging down the prestige of the mainline. Moreover, delaying the ‘regular’ iPhone could weaken Apple’s grip in markets that rely heavily on mid-tier pricing. After all, not every user is ready to drop four figures on a Pro Max.

As exciting as the rebranding sounds, Apple should tread carefully. The company’s strength lies in its balance between innovation and familiarity – change too much, too fast, and it risks losing both identity and market momentum. But one thing is certain: the next two years could redefine how we think about iPhones altogether, marking the dawn of Apple’s most experimental era since the original 2007 launch.