In recent years, Apple’s iPhone releases have offered only minor enhancements. Slight design tweaks and modest camera improvements have been the norm.

Yet, iPhone sales have remained remarkably strong. In Q4 of 2024 alone, the iPhone brought in nearly $70 billion in revenue for Apple.

This year, users of the iPhone 11, 12, and 13 may finally feel ready to upgrade. As anticipation builds, the upcoming iPhone 17 is drawing considerable attention. Thanks to the magnetic appeal of the iOS ecosystem, Apple continues to maintain impressive iPhone sales, despite concerns from tech watchers and analysts.

Looking ahead, the iPhone is becoming more exciting than ever. Over the next few years, Apple is expected to release some of the most innovative iPhone models since the iPhone X in 2017.

Why has it taken Apple so long to release a phone like this? The answer lies in the nature of revolutionary products - they don’t arrive annually. Their rarity is what makes them truly special.

Among the most anticipated is the foldable iPhone. Reports suggest the design will resemble Samsung’s Galaxy Fold more than the Galaxy Z Flip. In other words, Apple’s foldable phone is expected to open into a large, tablet-like display rather than a compact clamshell. This suggests that Apple will emphasize productivity and entertainment over portability.

Apple has a reputation for playing it safe. The company is not known for rushing into new product categories; it waits until it can deliver the best version in that space. According to analyst Ming Chi Kuo, Apple’s foldable iPhone will avoid the crease issues seen in other foldable devices. Leaks indicate Apple has selected Samsung Display’s crease-free panel over its in-house solution to ensure readiness for mass production by the second half of 2026.

This foldable iPhone may be introduced in 2027, aligning with the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone.

Before the foldable iPhone debuts, Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 17 Air - the thinnest iPhone ever made, measuring just 5.5mm thick. It will also be incredibly lightweight at 145 grams, even lighter than the 148g iPhone SE 2. Rumored specs include a 6.6-inch 120Hz ProMotion display, an aluminum-titanium frame, an A19 chip, and 12GB of RAM.

Last but not least, future iPhone models may completely eliminate the Dynamic Island. All sensors, including the front camera, are rumored to be embedded under the display. The result: a true full-screen iPhone. If the rumors hold true, we could see this model as early as 2027.

Du Lam