Core Insights - Apple plans to adjust the iPhone release schedule to a staggered model in spring and autumn starting next year [1][8] - The upcoming ultra-thin iPhone, expected to be 5.5mm thick, is anticipated to boost consumer interest and upgrade frequency [3][4] - Apple is also set to launch its first foldable iPhone in autumn 2026, which may activate the foldable smartphone market [6][7] Group 1: Ultra-thin iPhone - The ultra-thin iPhone is expected to have a thickness of approximately 5.5mm, making it the thinnest iPhone ever [1][3] - The device will feature a simplified design with one speaker and one camera, leading to a compromise in performance [3][4] - Battery life is projected to be shorter, with only 60%-70% of users able to last a full day without charging, compared to 80%-90% for other models [3][4] Group 2: Production and Market Strategy - Apple is reserving only about 10% of production capacity for the ultra-thin iPhone due to uncertain market demand, with the majority allocated to iPhone 17 Pro Max and Pro [4] - The staggered release strategy allows Apple to optimize production resources and avoid simultaneous manufacturing demands [8] - The production of new iPhones typically begins in summer, with peak demand expected before the winter holiday shopping season [8] Group 3: Foldable iPhone - The foldable iPhone will feature a book-style design with a 5.7-inch screen when folded and nearly 8 inches when unfolded [6] - Apple has patented a new hinge design to enhance the flexibility and durability of foldable devices [6] - 35% of iPhone users have shown interest in foldable phones, but concerns about system compatibility remain [6][7] Group 4: Future iPhone Models - The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be released alongside the foldable iPhone, featuring a new design with a hole-punch front camera [7] - The standard iPhone 18 will be delayed until spring 2027, aligning with the release of the iPhone 16E successor [1][7]

Core Insights - Apple is expected to launch an ultra-thin iPhone with a thickness of approximately 5.5mm in September 2023, marking it as the thinnest iPhone ever [2][3] - The company plans to introduce a foldable iPhone in 2026, indicating a significant shift in its product strategy [2][10] Product Features - The ultra-thin iPhone will have only one speaker and one camera, compromising on functionality compared to previous models [6] - Battery life is expected to be shorter, with only 60% to 70% of users able to use the device for a full day without charging, compared to 80% to 90% for other models [6] - Apple is developing a battery case specifically for the ultra-thin model to address battery life concerns [6] Market Strategy - The introduction of the ultra-thin iPhone aims to rejuvenate iPhone sales and accelerate the upgrade cycle, as iPhone sales account for over half of Apple's total revenue [7] - Apple plans to stagger the release of different iPhone models, with high-end models launching in the fall and more affordable versions in the spring of the following year [12] - This strategy is expected to optimize production capacity and avoid overwhelming manufacturing resources [12] Design Innovations - The iPhone 18 series will feature a hole-punch design for the front camera, moving towards an under-display camera for a true full-screen experience [8] - The ultra-thin iPhone and the upcoming foldable iPhone represent significant design changes for Apple, with the latter expected to have a screen size of slightly less than 8 inches when unfolded [10] Challenges - The ultra-thin iPhone's lack of space for a physical SIM card may hinder its sales in markets like China, where e-SIM regulations are not yet approved [7] - The new product's market performance is uncertain, as it is a completely new design without historical demand data to guide production [7][12] - Balancing the pursuit of thinness with durability will be a major challenge for the ultra-thin iPhone, especially given the complex usage scenarios of smartphones [14]

Group 1 - Apple plans to launch an ultra-thin new device in the second half of this year, with a thickness of approximately 5.5 mm, making it the thinnest iPhone ever [1][5][6] - In 2026, Apple intends to release a foldable iPhone with an internal screen diagonal length of about 8 inches when unfolded [1][8] - Starting next year, Apple will change its release strategy from one major event per year to two, with high-end versions launched in the fall and more affordable standard versions released in the spring of the following year [3][5] Group 2 - The ultra-thin iPhone aims to stimulate consumer upgrade cycles, as recent models have seen limited improvements, leading to longer replacement intervals [6][7] - The ultra-thin design will compromise on performance, featuring only one speaker and a single rear camera, with battery life supporting about 60% to 70% of users for a full day without charging [6][7] - The ultra-thin iPhone may face regulatory challenges in China due to the lack of a physical SIM card slot, as current regulations do not permit the sale of smartphones that only support eSIM [7] Group 3 - The iPhone 18 series will include an upgraded version of the ultra-thin model, Pro, Pro Max, and a new foldable device, with plans for a standard iPhone 18 and a more affordable iPhone 16e to be released in spring 2027 [9] - Adjusting the iPhone release window allows Apple to increase production flexibility and reduce the simultaneous demand for manufacturing resources [9] - In 2026, Apple may integrate Face ID and other sensors under the display, moving towards a seamless screen design, with a small hole for the front camera in the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max [10]

Core Insights - Apple is planning to launch a 5.5mm ultra-thin iPhone later this year and a foldable iPhone in 2026, aiming to rejuvenate stagnant iPhone sales which account for over half of the company's revenue [1][6] - The new ultra-thin iPhone will be the thinnest model ever produced by Apple, but it will face challenges such as reduced battery life and fewer speakers and camera lenses [2][3] - Apple is adjusting its iPhone release schedule, prioritizing high-end models in 2026 and delaying the release of the base model to 2027 to enhance sales and production efficiency [4][5] Group 1 - The upcoming 5.5mm iPhone will be the thinnest smartphone in Apple's history and among the thinnest in the market, aimed at encouraging consumers to upgrade more frequently [2] - The ultra-thin design will result in compromises, including a single speaker and a reduction to one rear camera lens, leading to decreased battery performance [2][3] - Apple is developing a battery case accessory to improve the battery life of the ultra-thin iPhone, as internal tests show only 60% to 70% of users can last a full day without charging [2] Group 2 - The first foldable iPhone is set to launch in 2026, featuring a book-style fold with an 8-inch display when opened and a 5.7-inch external screen [4] - The release schedule adjustment will see high-end models like the iPhone 18 Pro and potential foldable iPhone launched in fall 2026, while the base model will be delayed until spring 2027 [4][5] - This staggered release strategy aims to alleviate production pressures and better manage manufacturing resources throughout the year [5] Group 3 - The demand for iPhones has slowed over the past two years, with a reported decline of over 2% in iPhone sales for fiscal year 2023 [6] - By delaying the release of the base model and prioritizing high-end models, Apple aims to stimulate overall sales growth [6] - The design of the 2026 iPhone will feature a full-screen display by moving Face ID and sensors under the screen, eliminating the current "pill" cutout [6]