Since the launch of theiPhone 5in September 2012, Apple has maintained its habit of releasing new iPhones each fall. Now, well over a decade and numerous new iPhone models later, Apple may finally shake up its release schedule in 2026.
According toThe Information, Apple will change the release cycle for its smartphones, starting with theiPhone 18series in 2026. Reportedly, Apple’s plan is to release its more expensive models first, meaning the iPhone 18 Pro series, while the iPhone 18’s release will be pushed back until the spring of 2027.
This marks a significant departure from what many Apple fans are accustomed to, with a single, large iPhone release every September. But why is Apple potentially staggering its releases all of a sudden? Well, it may have something to do with its long-awaitedfoldable iPhone.
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There are reportedly two main reasons Apple is shifting its iPhone releases. Firstly, it is to pave the way for its first foldable iPhone, which could finally be arriving in the fall of 2026, after years of rumors and speculation. Secondly, it is to make Apple’s iPhone lineup more manageable. With the introduction of a foldable iPhone, there would be six different models available.
Essentially, Apple would be taking its iPhone lineup and evenly splitting it in half: three models in the fall and three models in the spring.
IfThe Information’sreport is accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone will debut in the fall of 2026, likely in September. Then, the iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Air, and iPhone 18e will launch in the spring of 2027, possibly in March. Essentially, Apple will be taking its iPhone lineup and evenly splitting it in half: three models in the fall and three models in the spring.
As for what the first foldable iPhone has in store for Apple fans, it will reportedly feature a book-style form factor (like theGalaxy Z Fold series), with a 5.5-inch outer display (when closed) and around a 7.8-inch inner display (when opened). Apple supply-chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuoreported back in Marchthat the foldable iPhone could measure between 4.5mm and 4.8mm thick when unfolded, and due to its slim profile, it will use Touch ID on a side button rather than Face ID.
Kuo also stated that it will be a “top-tier iPhone,” potentially costing anywhere between $2,000 and $2,500, with three to five million units expected to ship in 2026.
As for Apple’s plan for this year, all four of the iPhone 17 models are expected to launch in the fall…
As for Apple’s plan for this year, all four of the iPhone 17 models are expected to launch in the fall, including the new “iPhone 17 Air.” If Apple does decide to shuffle its releases starting in 2026, this could mean 2025 is the final year when the standard and pro iPhone models launch at the same time.
Personally, I’m glad to hear Apple could be splitting up its iPhone launches. Having so many iPhone models launched at once could be confusing to consumers, and a staggered release would make it easier to differentiate between the different classes of iPhones. And let’s face it, the iPhone is so powerful nowadays that waiting until the spring for a new base model isn’t the end of the world.
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