Apple plans five model iPhone lineup with foldable

Apple reportedly plans a five model iPhone lineup for 2026 including a foldable device and removal of the base iPhone 18.

Apple plans five model iPhone lineup including foldable device

ETNews reports that Apple will drop the base iPhone 18 from its 2026 lineup and add two new models, bringing the total to five. The lineup would include the iPhone 17e, iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a foldable iPhone. The iPhone 17e is slated to arrive first, serving as the successor to the iPhone 16e, while the iPhone 18 Air would replace the Plus variant later this year.

The foldable is expected to carry a price tag between 2000 and 2500 dollars, a premium tier that will place it alongside Apple’s Pro line. Apple also aims to avoid clutter by launching a more selective lineup, even as the five model plan signals a shift toward premium options.

The move signals a shift toward premiumization, using a foldable device to justify higher price points and potentially raise the overall average selling price. It also risks alienating budget-minded buyers who expect a lower entry point. If the strategy lands with consumers, it could push competitors to rework pricing and features; if not, Apple could face slower uptake and questions from investors about the pace of innovation versus affordability. As with any major product reset, the real test will be early sales data and how well Apple communicates the value of each model.

Highlights

What matters next is how Apple convinces users that each model has a distinct, worthwhile role.