Highlights
- Apple will split the iPhone 18 series launch across fall 2026 and spring 2027, starting with Pro models and its first foldable iPhone.
- The standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 are expected to arrive in the second phase, between March and May 2027.
- Apple aims to improve rollout quality by spreading launches across seasons, offering 5–6 models annually.
Caption – iPhone 17 Series. (Image credit – Apple)
Apple’s upcoming iPhone lineup may follow a completely new launch strategy, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Known for accurate Apple predictions, Gurman claims that the iPhone 18 series will not debut all at once. Instead, Apple is preparing a two-phase rollout that stretches across 2026 and 2027.
The shift is also expected to coincide with Apple’s entry into foldable smartphones and the introduction of new high-end designs.
iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, and Foldable iPhone Expected in Fall 2026
In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman reports that Apple will begin its new timeline in fall 2026, between September and November. During this window, the company is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and most notably, its first foldable iPhone. The foldable model is described as one of Apple’s most significant hardware launches in recent years.
This marks a major shift from Apple’s traditional fall cycle, which typically includes four models released together.
Standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 May Arrive in Spring 2027
The remaining models in the iPhone 18 lineup are tipped to launch in spring 2027, likely between March and May. This second phase could include:
- iPhone 18 (standard model)
- iPhone 18e
- iPhone Air 2 (a refreshed version of Apple’s lighter)
The staggered release pattern means Apple will complete the full lineup over two separate events rather than concentrating everything in one season.
Why Apple Is Changing Its Release Strategy?
Gurman explains that the shift is part of a broader overhaul of Apple’s annual smartphone schedule. For years, Apple pushed out almost all new iPhone models during the fall season. This predictable but intense cycle included two Pro models, two mid-tier models, and sometimes an additional SE or “e” variant earlier in the year.
However, this approach reportedly placed heavy strain on Apple’s engineering, marketing, and supply chain teams. At the end, this pressure may have contributed to issues like the rocky rollout of Apple Intelligence in 2024. By distributing launches across multiple seasons starting in 2026, Apple aims to reduce internal bottlenecks, provide smoother feature rollouts, and give each device more focused development time.
According to Gurman, Apple is expected to release five to six iPhone models annually. The aim is to offer customers more options throughout the year rather than clustering them in the fall.
More updates are likely as Apple finalises details ahead of the 2026 cycle.
FAQs
Q1. Will all iPhone 18 models launch at the same time?
Answer. No. Apple is expected to split the iPhone 18 series launch across two phases, Pro models and the foldable iPhone in fall 2026, and standard models in spring 2027.
Q2. When is Apple expected to launch its first foldable iPhone?
Answer. According to Mark Gurman, Apple plans to debut its first foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max between September and November 2026.
Q3. Why is Apple changing its iPhone release schedule?
Answer. Apple aims to reduce internal strain and improve product development by spreading launches across seasons, offering 5–6 models annually instead of clustering them in the fall.