Apple is reportedly altering its traditional iPhone release cycle, with no plans to launch a standard iPhone 18 model this year. Despite the success of the iPhone 17 in 2025, the iPhone 18 is not anticipated until spring 2027, leaving the iPhone 17 as the latest standard model for over 18 months. This marks the first instance of Apple skipping a calendar year without releasing a new non-Pro iPhone generation.
Historically, Apple has unveiled its mainline iPhones each fall, with simultaneous September launches. However, this year, the company is expected to introduce a staggered release strategy, prioritizing higher-end models in the fall and delaying standard models to the following year. Consequently, the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a foldable iPhone are projected for a fall release, while the standard iPhone 18 will debut in spring 2027 alongside the iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2.
This shift aligns with Apple’s expanding iPhone lineup, which includes the iPhone 16e and iPhone Air introduced in 2025, and the anticipated foldable iPhone in 2026. By the end of 2026, Apple could offer at least eight distinct iPhone models. A staggered schedule would help differentiate models, extend sales windows, and distribute launches more evenly throughout the year.
Additionally, supply chain analysts suggest manufacturing and logistics advantages from spaced-out launches, reducing production bottlenecks, managing component supply for advanced technologies, and smoothing revenue across fiscal quarters instead of concentrating sales in one period.
