IOS 27 beta code reveals six new iPhone models and new Apple strategy
An analysis of iOS 27 beta 5 has revealed information about six iPhone models that have not yet been officially presented, including the expected iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone Air 2 and a possible foldable version, the iPhone Ultra. The references were discovered in hidden code within the software.
The leaked data indicates a likely shift in Apple’s priority for upcoming premium product launches this fall. On the other hand, the most affordable models, such as the standard iPhone 18 and the iPhone 18e, may have their arrival on the market postponed until 2027.
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Additionally, new battery drivers present in the code signal an improved power management system. This capacity could support foldable screens and configurations that use dual batteries, indicating future innovations in the company’s devices.
On August 11, 2026, Apple made the fifth beta version of iOS 27 available to developers, after a brief one-week delay. This update brought several improvements and changes, setting the stage for the public launch that will take place the following month. However, the software also held important clues about Apple’s next plans for its line of iPhones.
Details about six iPhone models that have not yet been officially introduced were found in the latest beta version of iOS 27. The list includes the entire iPhone 18 family, the iPhone 18e, the iPhone Air 2 and the iPhone Ultra. Although none of these products have been formally announced by Apple, the references offer some of the clearest evidence about what the company plans for the next generation of iPhone.
References in iOS 27 detail six new iPhone models
The information was identified in system files directly linked to the iPhones’ battery drivers and Battery Intelligence features. In addition to existing iPhone models, iOS 27 beta 5 explicitly lists six new devices, identified by Apple’s internal codenames:
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- V62: iPhone Air 2
- V63: iPhone 18 Pro
- V64: iPhone 18 Pro Max
- V67: iPhone 18
- V68: iPhone Ultra
- V69: iPhone 18e
While it’s not unheard of for iOS betas to reveal details about future hardware, this is the first time the entire iPhone 18 lineup has been mentioned so explicitly in the iOS 27 beta’s internal code. The code names are also in line with previous leaks and reports regarding the next generation iPhone.
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The references found do not detail specifications or other characteristics about the new devices. However, their inclusion in battery-related system components is logical, since Apple needs to ensure that iOS is ready for the many new configurations and power management needs of new hardware before these products reach consumers.
For example, previous beta versions of iOS 27 had already indicated support for foldable screens and the use of multiple batteries. Both features are not present in any of the iPhones currently available on the market.
Apple readjusts iPhone release schedule
Unlike what happened in previous years, the expectation is that Apple will not present its entire new line of iPhones at once.
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The company is rumored to shift its focus to more premium models this fall, with the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The brand’s first foldable iPhone is also expected to launch, and previous reports indicated that Apple would name it the “iPhone Ultra,” a name that the latest iOS 27 beta uses internally again.
Neither the standard version of the iPhone 18 nor the entry-level iPhone 18e are expected to be released before early 2027. A second-generation iPhone Air is also in development, but its announcement is unlikely for this fall. Still, today’s leaks confirm that Apple has been actively working on these devices.
Apple is expected to announce its fall event in the coming weeks. This suggests this could be one of the last betas before iOS 27 officially arrives in mid-September. Apple’s plans can always change, but the presence of a product’s codename in beta software is usually a strong indicator that it is close to being finalized for release.
