While a flood of leaks has revealed details about design, features and upgrades, the overall lineup is still unclear. At the center of this uncertainty is the rumored iPhone Air 2, a device whose presence - or absence - could determine whether Apple maintains its familiar four-model strategy or scales back to just three devices this year.

Some recent reports suggest that the standard iPhone 18 model could be delayed until early 2027, marking a significant departure from Apple’s traditional fall launch cycle. If true, this would leave a noticeable gap in the 2026 lineup.

Even so, at least three devices are widely expected to debut, including the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and a completely new model tentatively called the iPhone Ultra, believed to be Apple’s first foldable smartphone.

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: comprehensive upgrades

Among the rumored devices, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max have the most consistent and detailed leaks. Apple is said to be preparing a range of notable upgrades across both design and performance.

In terms of appearance, a new deep red color option could be introduced, offering a more premium and distinctive look. The Dynamic Island is expected to be reduced in size, allowing for more screen space and an improved viewing experience.

The camera system is also likely to see further enhancements, with better photo and video capabilities across different conditions. Battery life, always a key concern for users, is rumored to receive significant improvements, helping the devices maintain high performance for longer periods.

iPhone Ultra: a potential turning point

Alongside the Pro lineup, the iPhone Ultra has captured particular attention within the tech community.

This device is seen as Apple’s first serious move into the foldable smartphone segment, a space already occupied by several Android competitors. Although details remain limited, reports suggest Apple is aiming for a premium foldable design that combines durability, strong performance and a refined software experience - areas where the company traditionally excels.

If launched as expected, the iPhone Ultra could become a defining product, marking a major shift in Apple’s hardware strategy.

iPhone Air 2: scarce and conflicting information

In contrast, information about the iPhone Air 2 remains scarce and often contradictory. Some sources claim the device will not arrive until spring 2027, implying that Apple may temporarily drop the Air line from its fall lineup.

However, a well-known leaker, Fixed Focus Digital, has repeatedly insisted that the iPhone Air 2 will still launch this year alongside the Pro models and the Ultra. The source is believed to have close ties to the supply chain, lending some credibility to the claim.

According to these leaks, the iPhone Air 2 would be a modest upgrade with minimal external design changes. This could explain the lack of detailed information - there may simply be fewer new features to reveal.

The conflicting reports leave the overall picture of the iPhone 18 lineup uncertain. Apple could continue with its usual four-model approach, or opt for a more streamlined strategy with just three core products.

For now, many analysts lean toward the possibility that Apple will retain four models, with the iPhone Air 2 serving as a bridge between standard and premium segments. If the device is indeed in development, more leaks are expected to emerge over the summer, when production typically ramps up.

Until then, the exact number of iPhone 18 models remains a major unknown. While the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and iPhone Ultra appear almost certain, the fate of the iPhone Air 2 is still undecided.

Whatever direction Apple ultimately takes, the upcoming launch season promises to be one of the most dynamic in recent years - with answers likely to come only when the company officially unveils its new lineup this fall.

Hai Phong