Apple changes iPhone release schedule: Details of decision
Apple may switch to a phased release schedule for the iPhone (photo: Getty Images)
Apple plans to change its usual rhythm for launching new iPhones. According to a report, starting with the iPhone 18 in 2026, the company will release premium models in the fall and postpone standard ones to the spring of the following year, as revealed by 9to5Mac.
What is known about the new iPhone release schedule
This noticeable shift from the usual strategy of launching all models at the same time may suggest that Apple wants to make room for other devices, for example, the long-discussed foldable iPhone. If the information is correct, in fall 2026, Apple will introduce the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and possibly a foldable iPhone, and in spring 2027, the base iPhone 18 model, iPhone 18 Slim, and iPhone 18e.
For those who closely follow Apple’s releases, such changes might not be surprising. Although the company traditionally unveiled new iPhones in September or October (starting with iPhone 5), it began deviating from this schedule with the launch of iPhone SE models, which typically came out in March or April.
More recently, in February, Apple released the iPhone 16e as a replacement for the SE line. As for the iPhone 17, it is still expected that the company will announce four gadgets this September.
