For years, new iPhone models have been criticized for lacking the innovation and excitement of the early generations. However, this “boring” phase may come to a close as early as this fall.

Three upcoming iPhone models worth the hype

When was the last time Apple unveiled an iPhone that truly wowed the public? The question might leave even the most devoted Apple fans unsure.

Each year, Apple adds a few notable features to its flagship phones. But it's been a while since we’ve seen a completely new design or a genuinely groundbreaking iPhone.

At a glance, the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro Max may be hard to distinguish from several recent models.

Fortunately, major changes are on the horizon. Starting this fall and continuing into the next year or two, Apple is set to launch three highly anticipated models: the iPhone 17 Air, the iPhone Fold, and a “20th anniversary” iPhone Pro edition.

The end of the high-end iPhone’s dull phase

The iPhone 17 Air is expected to introduce a futuristic, ultra-thin design - significantly slimmer than current models - with a uniquely sized display.

Apple's folding phone, set to debut next year, aims to blend the experiences of an iPhone and an iPad in a foldable, pocket-friendly format.

Then, around 2026 or 2027, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple is preparing a breakthrough iPhone Pro to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the iPhone’s debut. While details are still limited, Gurman said the device would “use glass more than ever before.”

Nothing is certain yet. But if Apple plans a product as disruptive as the iPhone X was in 2017 (marking the 10th anniversary), it’s likely something very special is in the works.

Back then, Apple skipped the iPhone 9 and jumped straight to the iPhone X, which eliminated the physical Home button, introduced a fully touch-based interface, and replaced Touch ID with Face ID - its facial recognition technology.

This historical precedent opens the possibility that Apple might introduce a device named “iPhone 20” or adopt an entirely new naming convention to mark the 20-year milestone.

With these three major launches, Apple is poised to end the iPhone’s dull stretch. Of course, Apple will continue releasing models with fewer changes, but the bold designs beginning with the iPhone 17 Air could set a new annual tradition - at least for the next few years.

It’s no surprise then that Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, John Ternus, recently stated that the upcoming iPhones will be “the most ambitious models in the history of the product line.”

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup this September, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the highly anticipated iPhone 17 Air - widely expected to be this year’s most stunning iPhone.

Hai Phong