Apple’s iPhone 18 Lineup Appears in iOS 27: Air 2 and Foldable iPhone Ultra References Discovered
Apple’s plans for its next-generation iPhones have received another major hint. An examination of iOS 27 beta 5 by Macworld has uncovered references to six unreleased iPhone models within the operating system’s internal files. The list reportedly includes the iPhone 18 family, a second-generation iPhone Air and a high-end model referred to internally as the iPhone Ultra.
The discovery suggests that Apple has already begun preparing iOS for its upcoming hardware. While the references do not reveal the full specifications of the devices, they provide strong evidence that these models are actively being developed.
Six new iPhone models appear in Apple’s internal code
The internal identifiers found in iOS 27 beta 5 reportedly correspond to six upcoming devices:
- V62: iPhone Air 2
- V63: iPhone 18 Pro
- V64: iPhone 18 Pro Max
- V67: iPhone 18
- V68: iPhone Ultra
- V69: iPhone 18e
The references were discovered in system components related to battery management and Apple’s Battery Intelligence features. This makes sense from a development perspective, as Apple needs to prepare iOS for the different hardware configurations and power-management systems of upcoming devices before they reach consumers.
Earlier iOS 27 beta releases have also reportedly contained references to foldable displays and support for multiple batteries, features that do not exist on current iPhone models. Taken together, these clues strengthen speculation that Apple is preparing its software infrastructure for a significantly different generation of iPhones.
iPhone 18 Pro models could arrive first
Unlike previous years, Apple is not expected to launch the entire iPhone 18 lineup at the same time. Current reports suggest that the company may initially focus on its premium models.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to arrive in the fall of 2026, potentially alongside Apple’s long-rumored first foldable iPhone.
The foldable model could represent one of the biggest design changes in the history of the iPhone. Apple is also expected to position the device as a premium product, potentially giving it a prominent role in the company’s high-end smartphone strategy.
iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 may arrive later
The standard iPhone 18 and entry-level iPhone 18e are reportedly not expected until early 2027. The iPhone Air 2 is also believed to be under active development, but it may not be announced during Apple’s fall 2026 event.
If these reports prove accurate, Apple could be moving toward a more staggered iPhone launch strategy, spreading new models across different periods of the year rather than introducing the entire lineup simultaneously.
Apple’s next iPhone generation is taking shape
The references found in iOS 27 beta 5 do not independently confirm every detail surrounding Apple’s upcoming devices. However, when combined with previous reports and software discoveries, they suggest that the company is preparing a substantial expansion of its iPhone lineup.
The possible arrival of an iPhone Ultra and Apple’s first foldable iPhone could mark a major shift in the company’s smartphone strategy, while the staggered release schedule would represent a notable departure from Apple’s traditional annual launch model.
Apple is expected to announce the date of its fall event in the coming weeks. The event could provide the clearest indication yet of how the company plans to shape the next generation of the iPhone.
