Hajra Naz
Apple might be shaking things up with its iPhone release schedule. According to The Information, which spoke with people familiar with the company’s supply chain, Apple is planning to roll out the iPhone 18 Pro models in fall 2026, but hold off on the standard iPhone 18 and a refreshed iPhone 16e until spring 2027.
It’s a major shift from Apple’s usual one-shot fall launch, and it sounds like both strategic timing and production logistics are driving the change.
A Foldable iPhone Could Finally Be Coming
Also on the radar: Apple may finally introduce its long-rumored foldable iPhone in 2026—possibly its biggest hardware redesign since the iPhone X. And if you’ve been hearing buzz about a slimmer iPhone, that’s likely the “iPhone 17 Air”, which could make its debut as early as this year. A follow-up model is reportedly already in the works for 2026.
Apple Eyes India for Future Production
Apple is also looking to shift production of its lower-cost iPhone 18 models to India, a move that could help reduce its reliance on Chinese factories. With trade tensions and tariffs putting pressure on margins, building phones outside of China may become even more important in the years ahead.
What This Means for iPhone Fans
If Apple goes ahead with this staggered launch strategy, it would mark the first time in over a decade that its flagship iPhone release cycle was split. Early adopters will still get their hands on the Pro models in the fall, but anyone waiting for the standard versions could be in for a longer wait.
That said, spreading out the launch could give Apple more breathing room to manage inventory, fine-tune marketing, and avoid supply chain issues that have disrupted previous launches.
