Covering the entire price segment market? Analysts expect Apple to increase iPhone models year by year, reaching six models by 2027

To cater to the trend of foldable screens and capture more market share, analysts predict that Apple will significantly adjust its iPhone release strategy. It is expected that by 2027, the number of models Apple releases annually will increase to six, aiming to cover a range from entry-level to high-end through a richer product lineup.

This forecast comes from Park Kang-ho, an analyst at Daishin Securities. He pointed out that the number of iPhone models will increase year by year. After launching four models last year, this year's product lineup is expected to grow to five with the addition of the iPhone 16e. This gradual expansion strategy indicates that Apple's future product roadmap will become more diversified.

Growth of iPhone Models: Foldable Screens and "Low-End Versions"

Park Kang-ho believes that Apple's product line expansion will be a gradual process. He predicts that the peak of product offerings will arrive in 2027, when Apple may launch six iPhones simultaneously. This product mix will further segment the market to meet the needs of different consumers. The flagship iPhone 17 series will include four "common models," while this year, due to the launch of the "budget version" iPhone 16e, the total will reach five.

Interestingly, he did not provide a specific forecast for the total number of models in 2026. The year 2026 will be crucial for Apple, as the company plans to launch its first foldable iPhone that year, joining the flagship lineup.

Additionally, reports suggest that another low-cost model, the iPhone 17e, may debut in early 2026. To accommodate the foldable models and avoid overcrowding the product line, Apple may even pause the release of the base model iPhone 18 in 2026.

However, some market participants predict that Apple may launch the iPhone 18e and the base model iPhone 18 in 2027. This view is echoed by Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst at Tianfeng International Securities, who has predicted that these two models will be released simultaneously. In addition to these two, Apple will also release four flagship models in the second half of that year, including the successor to the first-generation foldable iPhone.

Strategic Adjustments to Compete with Android

Park Kang-ho believes that the core motivation behind Apple's adjustment of its release strategy is to build a complete product matrix to respond to the fierce competition from the Android camp. The market is flooded with numerous excellent Android phone alternatives, prompting Apple to take action.

By launching a complete product line that covers entry-level consumers to those seeking the ultimate experience, along with high-end foldable phones that can attract affluent buyers, Apple aims to expand its customer base and increase annual total shipments.

Analysis indicates that Apple already has advantages in its software and hardware ecosystem, and its continued investment in self-developed chips will further enhance the competitiveness of its products in terms of performance, battery life, and overall experience, supporting the expansion of its product line