The iPhone is one of the most well-known technology products in the world and has dominated the smartphone market for almost two decades. Hardly any other device stands for innovation, design, and recognition as much. But as technology continues to evolve, naming has also changed time and again. Now, Apple appears to be taking another step toward standardization—and could introduce a new naming scheme for the iPhone in the future.
At this year's Worldwide Developers Conference, it was already revealed that Apple is redesignating the version names of its operating systems. Instead of iOS 19 or macOS 16, the company is now using a uniform year number. The current versions are called iOS 26, macOS 26, iPadOS 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and watchOS 26. This is intended to make it clear at a glance which year a system originates from. This change provides more clarity – and raises the question of whether Apple will apply the same principle to the iPhone in the future.
A changing naming scheme
The history of iPhone names has been anything but consistent from the beginning. After the first iPhone, the iPhone 3G appeared, named after the then-new mobile communications standard. This was followed by the iPhone 3GS, a performance model that was primarily intended to score points for its increased speed. Then came the iPhone 4, which ushered in a new design generation.
In the following years, a new model and a more powerful S version alternated – until the iPhone 7. Instead of an iPhone 7s, Apple launched the iPhone 8 in 2017. At the same time, the iPhone X was released, marking a new era on its tenth anniversary.
The iPhone X was a leap forward not only in terms of technology, but also in terms of name. The Roman letter X (for the number 10) deliberately conveyed the impression of a major advance. After the iPhone XR and XS, Apple returned to a simple numbering system with the iPhone 11, increasing the model number each year.
Changes in the coming cycle
According to a report by Omdia Research, a major change is coming in 2026. The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, the second generation of the iPhone Air, and the first iPhone Fold will be released then. The regular iPhone 18, however, isn't expected until the first half of 2027, along with the iPhone 18e.
This move would change the current release schedule. Apple could thus ensure that different iPhone models are released throughout the year, rather than all in the fall as before. This would maintain the iPhone's presence for a longer period, and new models could be placed more specifically.
iPhone 20 anniversary
The iPhone will celebrate its 20th birthday in fall 2027. According to several sources, Apple is planning a symbolic step for this occasion: Instead of the iPhone 19, it will launch the iPhone 20. Plans include an iPhone 20 Pro, an iPhone 20 Pro Max, and the second generation of the foldable iPhone Fold.
The reason for this leap likely lies in Apple's branding strategy. The company wants to prevent excessively high model numbers from making small advances seem smaller. A jump from an 8 to an X seems larger to many buyers than one from a 48 to a 49—a psychological effect that Apple deliberately exploits. The launch of the iPhone X in 2017 was also intended to convey a greater leap in development than an "iPhone 8s" would have suggested.
Unclear future of the iPhone Air
Another issue concerns the iPhone Air. Apple deliberately omitted a number for the current model and didn't call it "iPhone 17 Air." How Apple will proceed with this model series remains unclear. A possible name for the successor generation would be "iPhone Air 2." However, this could lead to confusion, similar to older iPad models.
With the iPhone SE, Apple chose a different solution: naming the models according to generations, such as "iPhone SE (2nd generation)." This could also be the case with the iPhone Air, as this variant would make the naming clearer and more understandable.
What comes after the iPhone 20
It's still unclear how Apple plans to proceed after the iPhone 20. If the current logic continues, an iPhone 21 would theoretically be the next step. However, Apple is reportedly internally considering a fundamental overhaul of its naming scheme. A possible approach would be to focus more on sub-brands like "Pro," "Air," "Fold," and "e," while the numbers fade into the background or disappear entirely.
This would prevent Apple from eventually becoming associated with excessively high model numbers. At the same time, the brand would become more flexible and better able to integrate new product lines—especially folding models and lighter versions like the Air.
New scheme, new rhythm: Apple plans to rethink the iPhone
Apple appears to be moving toward a new naming scheme in the long term. Following the switch to annual numbers for operating systems, the iPhone could also receive a new name, possibly coupled with a change in release schedule. The jump from iPhone 19 to iPhone 20 in 2027 would be more than just an anniversary—it could be the beginning of a strategic reboot of the entire iPhone lineup. Whether Apple will abandon model numbers altogether or introduce a different, clearer system remains to be seen. One thing is certain, however: The iPhone remains the company's core product, and every change to the name is part of a larger plan to keep the brand modern, understandable, and distinctive. (Image: Shutterstock / Enkhtulga Khandsuren)
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