What Will the Next Generation of iPhones Look Like?
Tech Frontier |
On September 10, 2025, Apple held its highly anticipated fall product launch event as scheduled, officially unveiling the next-generation iPhone 17 series smartphones. This lineup featured four new models: iPhone Air, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Despite the seemingly extensive product lineup, market reaction was sharply divided: on the one hand, the technical specifications and hardware upgrades were eye-catching; on the other, the design language and pricing strategy sparked widespread controversy.

The Birth of the Most Expensive iPhone: The most eye-catching feature of the iPhone 17 series was the top-of-the-line iPhone 17 Pro Max. Its 2TB storage version commanded a high price, a new record for Apple phones. This price not only redefined consumers' perception of high-end flagships but also reflected Apple's strategic shift in balancing storage costs with market demand. Analysts noted that with the widespread integration of AI capabilities and the growing demand for running large local models, ultra-large storage capacity is becoming a necessity for high-end users, and Apple clearly hopes to leverage this to consolidate its profit margins in the high-end market. The iPhone 17 Pro series offers three color options: deep blue, bright orange, and silver. The bright orange color is a fresh take, attempting to inject more vitality into the pro model. The protruding rectangular camera module on the back has been jokingly described by many netizens as resembling a "power bank," sparking widespread discussion on social media. Tech bloggers are divided over the new design, with some finding it recognizable while others believe it undermines the iPhone's traditionally simple aesthetic.

Why is the real major redesign coming in 2026?
Apple has consistently adhered to a "minor iteration" product strategy, delivering regular upgrades annually but lacking in eye-catching core innovations. While this strategy is reliable and stable, it has also led to aesthetic fatigue among some users. Market research data shows that the replacement cycle for iPhone users has extended to around four years, reflecting a lack of consumer motivation to upgrade to a new model.
Android manufacturers such as Samsung, Huawei, and Honor have already launched multiple generations of foldable screen products, receiving positive market responses. Supply chain sources indicate that Apple has partnered with suppliers such as Samsung Display and LG Display to develop foldable OLED screens and has applied for multiple patents related to foldable devices. At the system level, iOS will also undergo in-depth adaptations, supporting new interaction methods like multi-window split-screen and cross-app flow. Analysts predict that Apple's first foldable device could debut in the fall of 2026, likely with a new name. Regarding pricing, the foldable iPhone is expected to reach a new high.

Although Apple is a latecomer to the foldable screen market, the imminent arrival of its first foldable iPhone has undoubtedly injected new anticipation into the smartphone market. Unlike Android manufacturers, which quickly test the waters, Apple prefers to wait until the technology is mature and the ecosystem is well-established before officially entering the market. It may not be the first to enter, but it is likely to be the most influential.