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 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.

August, meaning that Apple's annual iPhone event is just around the corner. This year, Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone

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

That's a big problem for Apple, because it means fewer iPhone sales and the risk of losing market share to rivals, including Samsung. According to data from Telemetry, the most commonly owned iPhone is the iPhone 13, representing 16.3% of all iPhones in use.

Yvette Cooper has dropped a controversial demand for a “backdoor” into people’s iPhones under pressure from the White House.

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.