Commentary: As someone who has been writing about the iPhone for over a decade, I'm ready to see Apple step it up in this perhaps unexpected way.

The most widely discussed rumor is that Apple might be introducing its slimmest phone ever, the iPhone Air, which may replace the iPhone Plus. This rumored device is said to have a profile thickness of 5.5 mm, making it about 0.08 inches thinner than current iPhones. It’ll also feature a 6.6-inch screen.

The iPhone 17 is reportedly rumored to be announced in September, meaning Californians may be just weeks away from their next upgrade. Last year, Apple introduced its iPhone 16 range on Sept. 9, with the new phones ready for pre-order later that week. In September of 2023, Apple unveiled its iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

There's one limitation, though. Android and PC users can't start a FaceTime call on their own. They'll need an Apple user to create the link and invite them before they can join in. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to initiate FaceTime calls to Android users if you're an iPhone user, and how to receive FaceTime calls if you use an Android phone.

Apple will announce four models in September 2026: the iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone.

Apple has decided to change its launch lineup in 2026: regular iPhone 18 won't launch, new foldable iPhone is changing up the release schedule.

The standard iPhone 17 could see some welcome display upgrades. At least one supply chain source claimed it will add a 120Hz variable refresh rate (ProMotion) display, which the Pro series has used since 2021.

Apple introduced the iPhone 16e in March modeled after the iPhone 14, so it follows suit that the iPhone 17e could be based on the iPhone 15, the first non-Pro iPhone to feature the Dynamic Island. The 16e has only one rear camera and lacks features found on the higher-end iPhones, such as MagSafe and the Camera Control button.

Apple reportedly won't launch a base iPhone 18 next year until 2026 as part of a major foldable-inspired overhaul of its release strategy.

The base model iPhone 18 might not make its debut until spring 2027, reportedly so Apple can showcase new foldables. Higher-end iPhone 18 models are still on tap for 2026, though.