Apple never released an iPhone 9, opting instead to jump from iPhone 8 directly to iPhone X in 2017.
The Curious Case of the Missing iPhone 9
The iPhone lineup has always been a hot topic for tech enthusiasts and Apple fans alike. Each year, speculation runs wild about what model numbers Apple will assign to their next devices. One question that has puzzled many is: Is Apple Going To Make An Iphone 9? The short answer is no. Apple skipped the iPhone 9 entirely, moving from the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus directly to the iPhone X (pronounced “ten”). This decision marked a significant shift in Apple’s product naming strategy and reflected a broader change in their design and marketing philosophy.
The absence of an iPhone 9 wasn’t an accident or oversight—it was a deliberate move. The iPhone X was introduced as a celebration of the iPhone’s tenth anniversary and represented a major redesign with new technology such as Face ID, an OLED screen, and the removal of the home button. By skipping the number nine, Apple created a sense of excitement and distinction around this landmark device.
Why Did Apple Skip the Number Nine?
Skipping from 8 to X was more than just hype; it symbolized innovation and a leap forward. The number nine might have felt like just another incremental update, which didn’t fit with Apple’s narrative at that time.
Apple wanted to emphasize that the iPhone X was not just an upgrade but a reinvention. It came with groundbreaking features:
- Edge-to-edge OLED display: A dramatic change from previous LCD screens.
- Face ID facial recognition: Replacing Touch ID fingerprint sensors.
- Removal of physical home button: Changing user interaction entirely.
These were not minor tweaks; they were fundamental changes. Naming it “iPhone 9” would have implied it was part of the same generation as the iPhone 8 models, which it clearly wasn’t.
The Marketing Impact
Apple’s marketing thrives on storytelling and creating buzz around product launches. By jumping to “X,” which stands for ten in Roman numerals, Apple made a bold statement about celebrating a decade of innovation. It also created confusion and curiosity, which fueled media coverage and consumer interest worldwide.
This strategy worked well in positioning the iPhone X as a premium device distinct from its predecessors. It set expectations high for future models too.
The Technical Differences Between iPhone 8 and iPhone X
To understand why skipping “iPhone 9” made sense, let’s compare what changed between the last numbered model (iPhone 8) and the next generation (iPhone X).
| Feature | iPhone 8 / 8 Plus | iPhone X |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | LCD Retina HD (4.7″ / 5.5″) |
OLED Super Retina (5.8″) |
| Home Button | Physical with Touch ID sensor | No home button; Face ID instead |
| Biometric Security | Touch ID fingerprint sensor | Face ID facial recognition system |
| Design | Classic bezel design with top/bottom borders | Edge-to-edge display with notch at top for sensors/camera |
| Cameras | Duo cameras on Plus only; single on standard model | Duo cameras with Portrait mode on both front & back cameras |
| Price at Launch (USD) | $699 – $849 approx. | $999 approx. |
This table highlights how substantial these upgrades were—far beyond typical yearly improvements.
The Leap in User Experience
The transition from Touch ID to Face ID alone changed how users interacted with their phones daily. Instead of pressing a button or scanning fingerprints, users now simply looked at their phone for authentication.
Removing the home button allowed for more screen real estate without increasing overall phone size drastically—making apps and media more immersive.
All these innovations justified skipping over an ‘incremental’ number like nine.
The Rumors Before Launch: Was There Ever an iPhone 9 Prototype?
Before Apple unveiled its lineup in September 2017, rumors swirled about potential model numbers including an “iPhone 9.” Leaks suggested there could be three new models:
- A successor to the iPhone 7/8 series (potentially called “iPhone 9”) with LCD screens.
- A high-end premium model with OLED screen (the eventual iPhone X).
- A larger plus-sized variant.
Some supply chain leaks indicated manufacturing plans for devices resembling what could have been named “iPhone 9.” However, when Apple announced its official lineup, it only introduced:
- iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus: Updated versions of existing designs.
- iPhone X: The radical new flagship device commemorating ten years.
No official or prototype device named “iPhone 9” ever surfaced publicly or was sold commercially.
The Naming Strategy Behind It All
Apple’s decision may also have been influenced by marketing psychology. The number “nine” might have felt underwhelming or confusing after jumping so far ahead technologically.
By branding their flagship as “X,” they tied it directly to a milestone anniversary rather than continuing numeric increments that suggested gradual improvements only.
The Impact on Subsequent Models Post-iPhone X
After launching the iPhone X in late 2017, Apple continued evolving its lineup but never returned to using single-digit numbering for main models again.
The next releases followed this pattern:
- iPhone XS / XS Max (2018): An iterative upgrade over X.
- iPhone XR (2018): A more affordable alternative featuring LCD screens but modern design language.
- iPhones 11 series onward: Naming shifted to sequential numbers starting at eleven rather than returning to nine.
This confirmed that skipping “nine” wasn’t just one-off but part of a broader naming philosophy shift emphasizing milestones over incremental numbering.
The Confusion Among Consumers and Media
Skipping straight from eight to ten caused some initial confusion among consumers who wondered if they missed something or if there was an unannounced model called nine.
Tech reviewers had fun speculating about what happened to “nine,” sparking memes and jokes online about whether Apple feared number nine or simply wanted to be different.
Despite this, most quickly understood that Apple’s choice was intentional branding rather than oversight.
The Economic Angle: Did Skipping “iPhone 9” Affect Sales?
From a business perspective, skipping the number nine didn’t hurt sales at all—in fact, it may have helped boost them by creating buzz around the launch event.
The launch of the iPhone X set new records in pre-orders despite its higher price tag compared to previous models. Consumers were eager for cutting-edge tech despite paying a premium price.
Apple’s quarterly earnings following these launches showed strong growth driven by these new devices’ success globally.
| Date Range (Quarter) | Total Units Sold (Million) | Total Revenue (Billion USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Q4 FY2017 (post-iPhone X launch) | 46.7 million units (all models) | $52.6 billion revenue overall |
| Q1 FY2018 (holiday quarter) | 77.3 million units sold worldwide | $88.3 billion revenue overall |
| Q4 FY2016 (prior year comparison) | 45 million units sold | $46.9 billion revenue overall |
These figures illustrate how Apple’s sales momentum continued strongly despite—or perhaps partly because—the unique naming choice skipping “nine.”
The Legacy of Skipping “Is Apple Going To Make An Iphone 9?” Question Forever Answered
So where does this leave us regarding “Is Apple Going To Make An Iphone 9?” ? The answer remains clear: no such product ever existed officially or even unofficially beyond rumors before launch events.
Apple’s strategy was clear—to mark its tenth anniversary with something special rather than follow conventional numbering schemes blindly.
This move has become part of tech lore now—an example of how branding can shape perception as much as product specs do.
The Takeaway For Tech Fans Today
If you’re tracking Apple’s releases or trying to make sense of their product lineups historically:
- The jump from “iPhone 8” directly to “iPhone X” reflected innovation milestones rather than simple sequence.
- No actual hardware named “iPhone 9” ever reached market shelves or official announcements beyond speculation.
- This naming choice set precedent for future numbering schemes emphasizing anniversaries and major changes over linear counting.
It’s fascinating how one skipped number can spark so much discussion years later!
Key Takeaways: Is Apple Going To Make An Iphone 9?
➤ Apple’s release plans remain uncertain.
➤ Rumors suggest a budget-friendly model.
➤ Design may resemble older iPhone models.
➤ Market demand influences production decisions.
➤ No official confirmation from Apple yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple Going To Make An Iphone 9 in the Future?
As of now, Apple has not announced any plans to make an iPhone 9. The company deliberately skipped this number in their lineup, moving directly from iPhone 8 to iPhone X to mark a significant design and technology shift.
Why Did Apple Decide Not to Release an Iphone 9?
Apple skipped the iPhone 9 to emphasize the leap in innovation represented by the iPhone X. The number nine was seen as an incremental update, whereas the iPhone X introduced groundbreaking features like Face ID and an OLED screen.
How Does The Absence of Iphone 9 Affect Apple’s Product Naming?
The missing iPhone 9 created a unique marketing narrative. By jumping to “X,” Apple celebrated ten years of the iPhone and set a new standard for future models, distinguishing the iPhone X as a major redesign rather than a simple upgrade.
Are There Technical Reasons Behind Skipping The Iphone 9?
The technical changes from iPhone 8 to iPhone X were substantial, including removing the home button and adding facial recognition. Naming it “iPhone 9” would have downplayed these innovations, so Apple chose a different naming strategy.
Has Skipping Iphone 9 Impacted Consumer Expectations?
The absence of an iPhone 9 created curiosity and excitement around Apple’s product launches. It helped position the iPhone X as a premium device and raised consumer expectations for future innovations in the smartphone lineup.