IOS 27 Beta Reveals Six New IPhone Project Codenames, Suggesting Future Models

Apple’s iOS 27 beta appears to be offering more than a preview of upcoming software features. Hidden references inside the latest beta reportedly point toward six unreleased iPhone models, providing a potential glimpse at Apple’s future hardware roadmap.

The discovery is particularly interesting because the references appear to align with growing reports that Apple could significantly change its iPhone launch strategy, spreading the release of different models across multiple periods instead of introducing the entire lineup at the same time.

As always with leaked software code, the references should be treated as clues rather than official confirmation. Apple has not announced these future iPhone models or confirmed their names.

Six iPhone Models Spotted in iOS 27

Recent reports indicate that iOS 27 beta contains identifiers associated with six future iPhones. The models reportedly include:

iPhone 18
iPhone 18 Pro
iPhone 18 Pro Max
iPhone 18e
iPhone Air 2
iPhone Ultra

The references were reportedly discovered in system files associated with battery management. Similar discoveries have previously revealed Apple’s internal hardware plans before products were officially announced.

The appearance of these identifiers doesn’t necessarily mean all six devices will launch exactly as currently rumored. Apple uses internal project names and identifiers during development, and plans can change before products reach consumers.

Nevertheless, the discovery adds credibility to the idea that Apple is preparing a much broader iPhone lineup for the coming years.

What Is the iPhone Ultra?

The most intriguing name on the list is iPhone Ultra.

For years, rumors have suggested that Apple is developing its first foldable iPhone. More recent reports have increasingly linked that device with an Ultra-branded model.

If those reports are accurate, the iPhone Ultra could become Apple’s most premium iPhone, sitting above the Pro Max in the company’s lineup.

A foldable iPhone would represent one of Apple’s biggest changes to the iPhone product category since the introduction of the larger-screen Plus and Max models.

However, the exact design remains uncertain. Rumors have suggested a book-style foldable design, a large internal display and a premium construction, but Apple has not confirmed any of these details.

iPhone Air 2 Also Appears in the Roadmap

The appearance of the iPhone Air 2 is also notable.

Apple introduced the iPhone Air as a thinner, design-focused member of its iPhone family. A second-generation Air model would indicate that Apple intends to continue developing the product line rather than treating it as a one-generation experiment.

Earlier reports have suggested that the iPhone Air 2 could arrive alongside other models in 2027. One report has claimed that the device could feature a 6.55-inch 120Hz LTPO OLED display.

However, specifications and launch timing remain unconfirmed.

A New iPhone Release Strategy

Perhaps the biggest implication of the six-device discovery is Apple’s potential change to its traditional release schedule.

Apple has historically introduced its major iPhone models together around September. But reports suggest the company could separate its premium and standard models in the future.

According to previous reports, Apple could launch the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone Ultra first, while the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2 could arrive later.

This would allow Apple to create multiple iPhone launch moments throughout the year.

It could also help Apple differentiate its premium models from the more affordable versions.

Why the Codenames Matter

Internal device identifiers aren’t necessarily exciting to ordinary iPhone users, but they can be valuable to researchers because they reveal hardware that Apple is actively accounting for within its software.

iOS contains information needed to support different hardware configurations, including battery characteristics, displays, cameras, processors and other components.

When references to unreleased devices appear in production-oriented system files, they can provide stronger evidence than simple rumors based on supply-chain speculation.

That doesn’t mean every referenced device will eventually ship. Apple can cancel or modify products during development.

Still, the six-device discovery fits with several independent reports about Apple’s future iPhone strategy.

What Could the iPhone 18 Family Look Like?

Based on current rumors, Apple’s future lineup could become considerably more diverse.

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to remain Apple’s conventional high-end flagship smartphones, with upgraded processors, cameras and other technologies.

The iPhone 18 would continue Apple’s mainstream flagship range, while the iPhone 18e could target buyers looking for a more affordable entry point.

The iPhone Air 2 would focus on thinness and design.

Then there is the iPhone Ultra, which could introduce Apple’s first foldable design and occupy the top end of the range.

If this roadmap becomes reality, Apple could have six distinctly positioned iPhones rather than simply offering different screen sizes of the same basic design.

What Does This Mean for Current iPhone Owners?

The reported roadmap could make future iPhone upgrades more complicated—but also more interesting.

Instead of simply choosing between a standard iPhone, Pro and Pro Max, buyers could eventually have to consider whether they want:

Maximum performance → Pro Max

Thin design → Air

Lower price → 18e

Traditional flagship → iPhone 18

Professional features → Pro

Foldable premium experience → Ultra

This broader segmentation could allow Apple to target very different types of customers.

iOS 27 Is More Than a Software Update

The codename discovery is another example of how beta software can reveal information about Apple’s hardware development.

Officially, iOS 27 focuses on major software improvements, including the next generation of Apple Intelligence, a redesigned Siri experience and broader system improvements. Apple has also introduced the Foundation Models framework, allowing developers to work with Apple’s on-device models and build AI-powered experiences into their applications.

But beneath those visible features, the operating system also contains infrastructure designed to support Apple’s future hardware.

That makes every new beta potentially interesting for researchers looking for clues about upcoming products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does iOS 27 confirm the iPhone 18 lineup?

No. The beta reportedly contains references to six unreleased devices, but Apple has not officially confirmed the models or their final names.

Which six iPhones have reportedly been identified?

The reported identifiers correspond to the iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18e, iPhone Air 2 and iPhone Ultra.

Will the iPhone Ultra be foldable?

Current rumors strongly associate the iPhone Ultra with Apple’s first foldable iPhone, but this has not been confirmed by Apple.

When could these iPhones launch?

Reports suggest Apple may split its future launches, with premium models potentially arriving first and standard models following later. The exact schedule remains unconfirmed.

Is iPhone Air 2 confirmed?

No. iPhone Air 2 has appeared in reports about Apple’s future lineup, but Apple has not announced the device.

Final Thoughts

The discovery of six iPhone identifiers in iOS 27 beta provides an intriguing look at what Apple could be developing behind the scenes. The reported lineup—including the iPhone 18 series, iPhone 18e, iPhone Air 2 and iPhone Ultra—suggests that Apple’s smartphone strategy could become significantly more diverse.

The rumored iPhone Ultra is perhaps the most exciting possibility, particularly if it turns out to be Apple’s long-awaited foldable iPhone. Meanwhile, the continued development of the Air series could signal Apple’s growing focus on ultra-thin smartphone design.

For now, these remain rumors and internal software clues, not official product announcements. But if the reported identifiers accurately reflect Apple’s development roadmap, the next generation of iPhones could bring one of the biggest changes to Apple’s lineup in years.

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