Apple's foldable future may fully reshape its iPhone launch schedule

Abstract

Apple could stagger iPhone releases in 2026, launching costly fashions within the fall and cheaper ones the next spring.
The principle cause for the shuffled launch might be due to Apple’s first foldable iPhone, anticipated to debut in 2026.
The foldable iPhone is rumored to function a book-style kind issue, depend on Contact ID, and price over $2,000.

Because the launch of the

iPhone 5
in September 2012, Apple has maintained its behavior of releasing new iPhones every fall. Now, effectively over a decade and quite a few new iPhone fashions later, Apple could lastly shake up its launch schedule in 2026.

In line with The Information, Apple will change the discharge cycle for its smartphones, beginning with the

iPhone 18
collection in 2026. Reportedly, Apple’s plan is to launch its costlier fashions first, which means the iPhone 18 Professional collection, whereas the iPhone 18’s launch will likely be pushed again till the spring of 2027.

This marks a major departure from what many Apple followers are accustomed to, with a single, giant iPhone launch each September. However why is Apple probably staggering its releases hastily? Nicely, it could have one thing to do with its long-awaited

foldable iPhone
.

Associated

Is the iPhone 15 still worth buying in 2025? The answer is complicated

Probably, however you should not get one straight from Apple.

Apple’s first foldable iPhone may debut in 2026

All of the iPhone 17 fashions are nonetheless anticipated to return out this September without delay

Multi-tasking with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 6

There are reportedly two important causes Apple is shifting its iPhone releases. Firstly, it’s to pave the best way for its first foldable iPhone, which may lastly be arriving within the fall of 2026, after years of rumors and hypothesis. Secondly, it’s to make Apple’s iPhone lineup extra manageable. With the introduction of a foldable iPhone, there could be six totally different fashions accessible.

Basically, Apple could be taking its iPhone lineup and evenly splitting it in half: three fashions within the fall and three fashions within the spring.

If The Information’s report is correct, the iPhone 18 Professional, iPhone 18 Professional Max, and the foldable iPhone will debut within the fall of 2026, doubtless in September. Then, the iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Air, and iPhone 18e will launch within the spring of 2027, presumably in March. Basically, Apple will likely be taking its iPhone lineup and evenly splitting it in half: three fashions within the fall and three fashions within the spring.

As for what the primary foldable iPhone has in retailer for Apple followers, it’s going to reportedly function a book-style kind issue (just like the Galaxy Z Fold series), with a 5.5-inch outer show (when closed) and round a 7.8-inch interior show (when opened). Apple supply-chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported back in March that the foldable iPhone may measure between 4.5mm and 4.8mm thick when unfolded, and as a result of its slim profile, it’s going to use Contact ID on a aspect button somewhat than Face ID.

Kuo additionally acknowledged that will probably be a “top-tier iPhone,” probably costing wherever between $2,000 and $2,500, with three to 5 million models anticipated to ship in 2026.

As for Apple’s plan for this 12 months, all 4 of the iPhone 17 fashions are anticipated to launch within the fall…

As for Apple’s plan for this 12 months, all 4 of the iPhone 17 fashions are anticipated to launch within the fall, together with the brand new ”

iPhone 17 Air
.” If Apple does determine to shuffle its releases beginning in 2026, this might imply 2025 is the ultimate 12 months when the usual and professional iPhone fashions launch on the similar time.

Personally, I am glad to listen to Apple might be splitting up its iPhone launches. Having so many iPhone fashions launched without delay might be complicated to shoppers, and a staggered launch would make it simpler to distinguish between the totally different courses of iPhones. And let’s face it, the iPhone is so highly effective these days that ready till the spring for a brand new base mannequin is not the top of the world.

iPhone 16 Professional Max

Model: Apple
SoC: A18 Professional (3nm)
Show: 6.9-inch 1,320 x 2,868 pixel decision LTPO Tremendous Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Imaginative and prescient, 1000 nits (typical), 2000 nits (peak)
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Ports: USB-C
Entrance digital camera: 12-megapixel, f/1.9, 23mm (extensive), 1/3.6″, PDAF, OIS