Slim iPhone will gain a larger screen in 2027, alongside iPhone fold 2

AppleInsider

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that the iPhone 19 Slim will feature a larger screen than its first versions, and will be released at the same time as a second generation iPhone Fold.

Apple is expected to debut an ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air or iPhone 17 Slim in 2025.

While the 2025 iPhone launch will be in the same format as it has since 2019 -- both iPhone and iPhone Pro models being announced in September -- Apple is again reported to be changing that for 2026. Backing up the first reports of this split launch, Ming-Chi Kuo has published what he believes is the new release schedule, including news of the slim and folding models.

2H25-2H27 New iPhone Model Launch Predictions; Budget Models in 1H, Premium Models in 2H as Emerging Normhttps://t.co/OOsUbPlrBd pic.twitter.com/UA4MF0rUMR

-- (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo)

May 5, 2025

For once, Kuo is clear that this is a prediction rather than detail from his supply chain sources. Based on what information he has and his previous experience with Apple, his full schedule list reads:

• 2H25: iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17 Slim, iPhone 17


• 1H26: iPhone 17e


• 2H26: iPhone fold, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Slim


• 1H27: iPhone 18, iPhone 18e


• 2H27: iPhone fold 2, iPhone 19 Pro, iPhone 19 Pro Max, iPhone 19 Slim

This prediction differs from the previous report in that it puts the slim model of the iPhone in with the September launches. The iPhone 17 Slim will be a high-profile launch, but it replaces the iPhone 16 Plus in the lineup, so whether Apple treats it as high-end or not remains to be seen.

The Plus model was a base iPhone with a larger screen, meaning users could get that bigger size without buying the higher-end Pro editions. According to Kuo, the third generation of the slim iPhone will have a display that is at least larger than that on the iPhone 17 Slim, or iPhone 18 Slim.

There is no further detail, so it's not clear whether this means the iPhone 19 screen size will be similar to that of the Pro models or not.

At the same time, Kuo also says that the second generation iPhone fold has "already kicked off," meaning that Apple is deep into developing it. Again, however, there are no further details.

It's now unusual for Kuo to be clear whether he is predicting or reporting supply chain information. While this has meant his accuracy has been harder to determine, he has long had a strong track record for Apple information.

That said, he has also previously predicted that the iPhone fold would be released in 2024.


Rumor Score: Possible

Read on AppleInsider

applezulu

“It's now unusual for Kuo to be clear whether he is predicting or reporting supply chain information. While this has meant his accuracy has been harder to determine, he has long had a strong track record for Apple information.

That said, he has also previously predicted that the iPhone fold would be released in 2024.”

It’s still a complete mystery why Kuo continues to be lauded with superlatives like “a strong track record for Apple information.”

Even when his prognostications were supposedly based on supply chain intel, he would make predictions and then repeatedly update and change them and still be awarded with a “look, he was right!” if he happened to correct his “prediction” to something close to accurate within days or hours before Apple made a corresponding announcement. 

Now he’s issuing predictions based on who knows what, and even as it’s noted that “his accuracy is harder to determine,” and that he’s already failed on the current “iPhone fold” prediction, we’re still reminded of his “strong track record.”

So what is it? Do we think he must really mean it this time? 

carmb

The only way I could see a case for the Fold would be if Apple dropped the Pro versions of the iPhone. Put Pro-like features in a standard iPhone, soon likely to be priced more like the current Pro and Pro Max, and make the pricey Fold the upgrade option. As for a Slim option, to what end? Apple needs to figure out how to position its product considering an anticipated increase in production costs. Apple can surrender some margin, increase prices somewhat, shift production around here and there. Yet it can't push ahead as if it's business as usual. 

brianjo

Bigger screens.  Yuck.

I want an iPhone mini with a USB-C port.  I want a simplified interface for apps to fit on a small screen, not an app designed for a large screen scrunched down to a tiny size.

The original iPhone really had a lot going for it and it's become excessively complex as time has gone on.

Yeah, I get it, some people feel that the iPhone should do everything.  Making a huge phone for them is great.

But for me, I want the iPhone NOT to be the center of my life. It's an accessory.  When I need to do significant work, that's what my computer is for.  Give me a small lightweight inexpensive  communicator that fits in my pocket.

tht

I think this release schedule looks reasonable.

Wonder if there will be 6.3" iPhone Air model if there is going to be a 6.9" model.

kiwimachead

Nice to see the rumour mill already full steam when iPhone Air hasn’t even been released, haha. I’m just waiting for a meaningful improvement to the super practical 14pro - can’t envisage buying a iPhone fold or downgrading to a slim / e model.   

jfc_pa

Bottom line: smaller screen iPhones don’t sell. So Apple doesn’t bother anymore. Want a small phone then buy something else. 

quakerotis

so the unannounced product is already getting an upgrade.

I guess there are other less derivable ways of making a living than as a reporter, being forced to "report" on fantasies.

Here's what I know.

The new phone will feature some stuff. 
It will sell about as well as the model before it.
It will be as iteratively better as manufacturing processes allow.
some people will need and buy a new phone.
some people will speculated about nmeaningless features that a multi-national corporation is foisting upon them in pursuit of profit and in hopes that attention addiction is maintained.

oldenboom

Nice, such a thin one and a folding one. Now complete the line up with a fat mini, Apple. Same battery power, smaller screen for those who don’t want to shine with their iPhones but just wish a very usable tool allowing to do their daily work.
Meanwhile, I’ll just stick to my near perfect iPhonr Mini-13. Near? Yes, it’s slightly too big. I don’t care about thickness.

m68000

oldenboom said:

Nice, such a thin one and a folding one. Now complete the line up with a fat mini, Apple. Same battery power, smaller screen for those who don’t want to shine with their iPhones but just wish a very usable tool allowing to do their daily work.
Meanwhile, I’ll just stick to my near perfect iPhonr Mini-13. Near? Yes, it’s slightly too big. I don’t care about thickness.

I don’t know what you mean by “shine with their iPhones”.  But, as a previous 13 mini owner, I can say I don’t miss the poor battery or the rough typing experience.  Nor do I miss the small size when trying to use Qi wireless chargers. I moved on to the iPhone 15 and don’t miss the mini a bit.