Apple is reportedly planning a significant change to its iPhone release schedule next year. Instead of launching all models of the iPhone 18 series in the traditional September 2026 window, the company may delay the base iPhone 18 until early 2027. This means customers who want the standard model might have to wait longer than usual for its arrival.
At the same time, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models are still expected to launch in September 2026 as Apple typically does. Reports also suggest that Apple’s first foldable iPhone could debut with those premium models. This is one of the first times Apple has split the release of its flagship phone lineup across two separate years.
Why Apple Might Delay the Base iPhone 18?
Experts and industry analysts believe Apple is doing this for multiple reasons:
- Production Timelines: Trial production for the standard iPhone 18 reportedly won’t begin until after the Chinese Lunar New Year, which ends in late February 2026, making a late-2026 launch unfeasible.
- Focus on Premium Devices: By releasing Pro models first, Apple may be aiming to prioritise higher-margin products and allocate manufacturing capacity more efficiently.
- New Models and Strategy: Apple may also be preparing to launch its foldable iPhone and iPhone 18 Air with the premium lineup, creating a bigger splash in the fall of 2026.
This break from the usual practice could mark a new era for Apple’s product cycle and may give the company more flexibility in how it markets different iPhone models.
What Does This Mean for Fans and Buyers?
If this shift happens, Apple buyers could see:
- iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max unveiled in September 2026.
- Standard iPhone 18 model launch in early 2027.
- Possibility of additional models like iPhone 18e or an updated iPhone Air also arriving in 2027.
This staggered release could mean a longer wait for budget-oriented users, while high-end customers get the newest tech sooner.
What to Expect from iPhone 18 Features?
Even though the launch might be delayed, rumours suggest the standard iPhone 18 will still pack upgrades over the iPhone 17. Leaks point to:
- Improved performance and upgraded internal hardware.
- Potential tweaks in design and possibly more colour options.
- New or enhanced features are rolling out first in the Pro models.
- The Pro lineup may receive more advanced tech first, such as next-generation chips and possibly new camera capabilities.
How does This Affect Apple’s Traditional Fall Launch?
For more than a decade, Apple has typically unveiled its main iPhone series all at once in the September event. A split launch model would be one of the biggest changes in Apple’s launch philosophy, possibly helping the company spread out marketing impact and sales revenue more evenly across the year.
This evolving strategy may also help Apple better compete with rivals that already follow staggered launch schedules.
What Buyers Should Know?
- Expect Pro models first in late 2026.
- Standard iPhone 18 likely in early 2027.
Planning for pre-orders and pricing may change with this new timeline. This could be a major shift in smartphone launch culture and is shaping up to be a key story for Apple watchers in 2026-27.
