Is Apple Really Skipping the iPhone 18? A Curious Case of Naming

Imagine this for a moment: it’s 2026, and instead of an 'iPhone 18' gracing the stage, Apple unveils… an 'iPhone 20.' Sounds a bit wild, doesn't it? Well, believe it or not, that's precisely what a fascinating new rumor from the supply chain suggests Apple might be planning.

It's the kind of speculation that makes you raise an eyebrow, but as we dig a little deeper, you'll see there's a surprisingly logical method to this apparent madness. We're talking about a potential skip in numbering, all for the sake of a neat, consistent alignment that actually makes a whole lot of sense once you hear it.

Now, here's where it gets interesting, and frankly, quite clever. The crux of this theory revolves around Apple's internal chip naming. Think about it: the iPhone 16, which we expect in 2024, is likely to feature the A18 Pro chip. Following that, the iPhone 17 in 2025 would logically house the A19 Pro.

So, if Apple continues this pattern, the iPhone due in 2026 would naturally be powered by the A20 Pro. And you know what? Suddenly, naming that device the 'iPhone 20' rather than the 'iPhone 18' starts to make a whole lot of intuitive sense, doesn't it? It's about bringing the product name into perfect harmony with the cutting-edge silicon beating at its heart.

This isn't the first time Apple has, shall we say, taken a creative approach to its product numbering. Cast your mind back to 2017: we leaped straight from the iPhone 8 to the iPhone X, completely bypassing a hypothetical 'iPhone 9.' It wasn't just a nod to the tenth anniversary; it was a deliberate choice to mark a significant shift and, perhaps, simplify things a little.

And let's not forget the 'New iPad' – the third generation of their tablet which shed its number entirely for a brief period. More recently, whispers are also circulating that the upcoming tenth-anniversary Apple Watch (expected this year) might similarly adopt the 'Watch X' moniker instead of 'Series 10.' So, there's certainly a precedent for Apple making these kinds of strategic naming adjustments.

The source for this intriguing insight comes from yeux1122, a Korean blogger who has a decent track record when it comes to Apple leaks, often citing contacts within the company's vast supply chain. And the motivation? It really boils down to simplicity and clarity.

Apple has always strived for an elegant, user-friendly experience, and that extends to how they name their devices. A consistent numbering scheme between the iPhone model and its powerful internal silicon could eliminate potential confusion for customers, making the lineup feel more cohesive and easier to understand, wouldn't you agree?

Of course, as with all early rumors, a pinch of salt is always advised. Plans can change, and Apple is famously secretive right up until launch day. However, the idea of synchronizing the iPhone's external name with the beating heart of its internal chip – the A-series processor – is remarkably elegant.

It aligns perfectly with Apple's brand ethos of seamless integration and straightforward design. So, while 'iPhone 18' might be a number lost to the annals of hypothetical tech, 'iPhone 20' could well be the future. Time, and Apple's ultimate decision, will tell.