Seven unreleased iPhone identifiers were found in Apple’s backend. The rumored iPhone 18 lineup has 6 models, so there will be one more. From the perspective of this article, it is more natural to think of the seventh model as a derivative of an existing model, rather than an unknown new model. We will explain how to read the entire lineup, including the folding iPhone, as well as the basis and impact on Japanese users.
7 iPhone 18 identifiers found
According to overseas media, Aaron Peris, a well-known code analyzer, discovered 37 identifiers on September 8, local time.
- iPhone: 7 items (iPhone19,1 to 19,7)
- Mac: 9 items
- iPad: 8 items
- Apple Watch: 9 items
- Apple TV: 1 item
- HomeAccessory (products for home use): 3 items
The first thing you notice when looking at the list is that the names and contents do not match. Although the focus is on the iPhone 18 generation, the number 19 is listed next to the identifier.
It will be easier to get a sense of distance if you think of it as a management number to identify devices within your company, rather than a list of product names. Identifiers are numbers assigned for distribution and management purposes, and are different from marketing names. Although there are regularities, the rules do not have a one-to-one correspondence with product names.
Seventh, is it a new model or a derivative model?
6 rumored iPhone 18 models
- iPhone18
- iPhone18 Pro
- iPhone18 Pro Max
- iPhone18e
- iPhone Ultra (folding iPhone)
- iPhone Air 2
There are 7 identifiers for 6 models, and only one has no explanation. The seventh candidate cited by overseas media is a derivative model or another device.
Reasons why it should be considered a derived model
The nine Apple Watch cases are also said to include models with different case materials. Since there are examples of Apple assigning multiple numbers to one product, there is no necessity for the seventh model to be an unknown new model.
It is unreasonable to count the number of identifiers directly as the number of models. The assumption that there is one model and one number is the starting point for misreading. If the numbers don’t match, don’t be the last to question the new model.
The number is different between OS beta and server
In August 2026, iPhone Mania announced six internal codenames for the iOS27 beta. What the two pieces of information are counting are actually different things.
| Confirmation location | kinds | Number found |
|---|---|---|
| iOS27 beta | Internal code name | 6 items |
| backend | hardware identifier | 7 items |
Since the numbering systems are different, there is little point in directly comparing 6 and 7. The information included in the OS beta and the server-side registration may not always coincide with the update timing. The seventh one is thought to be one that is not yet ready at the OS level, or one that was added later as a branch of the same model.
What cannot be overlooked is that the reported codenames are scattered across the range from V62 to V69. The reason why the numbers in between have not been communicated this time may be because there are projects that have not been announced, or projects that only have names but are not moving.
The release date cannot be determined from the identifier.
Overseas media deny that the appearance of the identifier does not mean an announcement, citing the possibility of erroneous registration or registration to comply with regulations.
This is a prerequisite that those considering purchasing should keep in mind. Identifiers provide weak evidence that something is being produced, but not evidence of when it will be released. In some cases, only the number remains without being released into the world as a product, and there is a considerable distance between the discovery of traces and the release of the product.
Note that while the distance may appear to shrink as the announcement approaches, it does not actually shrink.
Foldable iPhone and how to buy it in Japan
The two Pro models and the iPhone Ultra are expected to be announced at the early morning event on September 9th local time and September 10th Japan time, and the remaining three models are expected to be released around spring 2027. What I am concerned about in Japan is the compatibility between this split schedule and carriers’ residual value setting programs.
Estimated return dates vary depending on the plan, but if the release date continues to be split into fall and spring, the return timing and the release date of the model you are aiming for will no longer match. It is safe to check the return conditions of your plan and the release date of the applicable model before making a reservation.
One more thing, even if the seventh model existed, it does not necessarily mean that there would be more models to choose from in Japan. Apple may assign different numbers even for the same model due to differences in SIM configuration and communication specifications. It is safe to assume that the number of identifiers and the number of models lined up in stores do not match.
At this point, there is little point in rearranging purchasing plans based on the number of identifiers. You can get an idea of the model that will appear in the fall by watching the event, but there is no guarantee that the true identity of the seventh model will be revealed. The realistic approach is to accept only the fact that the numbers don’t add up and wait for further reports.
Photo:9to5Mac
Source: iPhone Mania
