Anticipation surrounding Apple’s forthcoming product lineup has begun to crescendo, centering on a significant juncture in the company’s illustrious history. With the iPhone 17 series now a recent memory, preliminary reports indicate that Apple is poised to orchestrate a momentous event in celebration of the 20th anniversary of its groundbreaking smartphone.
An industry analysis suggests that the company intends to unveil the iPhone 20 in 2027, deviating from its established naming conventions and customary annual release rhythm.
Celebrating Two Decades of Innovation
The inaugural iPhone, introduced by Steve Jobs in January 2007, irrevocably altered the mobile landscape. In tribute to that transformative legacy, Apple is said to plan a departure from the “iPhone 19,” opting instead to leap directly to the iPhone 20.
This revelation comes courtesy of Heo Moo-yeol, a senior analyst from research entity Omdia, who asserts that Apple aspires to synchronize this launch with the two-decade anniversary of the original device.
Omdia: “The 2027 iPhone model name will be ‘iPhone 20’”
A forecast has emerged that Apple will name the iPhone it releases in 2027 “iPhone 20.”
Senior analyst Heo Moo-yeol of Omdia said at a conference held on the 22nd at EL Tower in Seocho-gu, Seoul, “Apple will release the… pic.twitter.com/4GfOxyZ7NI— Jukan (@Jukanlosreve) October 22, 2025
Much like the launch of the iPhone X in 2017 to commemorate a decade of innovation, the iPhone 20 is anticipated to embrace a comparable celebratory ethos. What distinguishes this imminent offering is Apple’s apparent intent to deviate from its long-standing September release tradition.
According to reports, the iPhone 20 could make its debut in the first half of 2027, marking a substantial departure from the company’s customary autumn schedule, initiated with the iPhone 5 in 2012.
Introduction of iPhone 18e and iPhone Fold 2
In conjunction with the iPhone 20, Apple is also expected to unveil another device tentatively named the iPhone 18e, which will likely reside outside the core flagship series but is set to launch concurrently.
The latter half of 2027 is anticipated to see the arrival of the remaining iPhone 20 variants, which include the iPhone 20 Air, iPhone 20 Pro, and iPhone 20 Pro Max.
Adding to the allure of Apple’s strategic roadmap for 2027 is the anticipated introduction of the second-generation foldable smartphone, likely designated as the iPhone Fold 2. This device will succeed the first foldable model, slated for an anticipated release in 2026.
Notably, the report indicates that Apple may forego the standard iPhone 18 model next year, shifting its focus towards premium editions, including the iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, and the Air variant, alongside the inaugural Fold.
Market Forecast and Production Insights
According to Omdia’s analysis, a decline of 20 million units in iPhone panel demand is projected for 2027 as Apple recalibrates its lineup strategy. Nevertheless, overall panel shipments are expected to reach 245 million units this year, indicating robust growth.
The company is also optimistic regarding its foray into the foldable market, forecasting over eight million units of the iPhone Fold to be shipped within its inaugural year.
As Apple prepares to mark its two-decade milestone, the iPhone 20 could signify more than merely another addition to its product range; it may herald a transformative chapter in Apple’s design philosophy and brand identity.
Source link: In.mashable.com.
