The decision by Apple to skip the iPhone 9 and go straight to the iPhone X (10) was primarily driven by marketing and branding considerations. As you mentioned, the iPhone X was launched to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the iPhone. By naming it the iPhone X, Apple aimed to create a sense of significance and excitement around the device, positioning it as a special edition model.
One possible reason for skipping the iPhone 9 could be related to the naming convention established by previous iPhone models. After the iPhone 3G (which followed the original iPhone), Apple introduced the iPhone 3GS instead of the expected iPhone 4. This naming approach was likely chosen to signify that the 3GS was an incremental upgrade rather than a completely new device. Following this precedent, it is possible that Apple wanted to avoid any confusion by naming the next model as the iPhone 7s or 7s Plus, as it would have been perceived as a minor upgrade to the iPhone 7.
Additionally, Apple’s decision to skip the iPhone 9 may have been influenced by the desire to align their product lineup with other Apple devices. In 2017, Apple also introduced the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus alongside the iPhone X. These models were seen as the successors to the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, offering incremental improvements rather than significant design changes. By releasing the iPhone X in the same year, Apple wanted to showcase their advancements in technology and design, setting it apart from the iterative updates of the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus.
As for why Apple did not skip the number 13, it is important to note that the superstition surrounding the number 13 is more prevalent in Western cultures. While some companies and individuals may choose to avoid using the number 13 due to superstitions, Apple has not shown any consistent pattern of avoiding specific numbers in their product naming. The decision to skip the iPhone 9 was likely a strategic choice specific to the 10th anniversary of the iPhone, rather than a reflection of any superstitions related to the number 9 or 13.
The decision to skip the iPhone 9 and go straight to the iPhone X was driven by Apple’s marketing strategy to create excitement and significance around the 10th anniversary of the iPhone. It was likely influenced by previous naming conventions and the desire to differentiate the iPhone X from the incremental updates offered by the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus. The decision to skip the number 9 does not seem to be related to any superstitions surrounding the number itself, as Apple has not shown a consistent pattern of avoiding specific numbers in their product lineup.