Apple iPhone 18 Series : Apple becomes a topic of discussion in the tech world by launching new iPhone models every year. But now the company is preparing to change this old tradition. According to reports, Apple will not launch the base model of iPhone 18 in 2026. Instead, the company will focus only on premium models and will launch the base iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e in the spring of 2027. This move is considered a major change in Apple’s strategy as the company is dividing its iPhone launch into two different times for the first time.
Only premium models will be launched in 2026
Apple’s fall season is always considered special because this is the time when the company introduces its new iPhones. The same will happen in 2026, but the difference will be that this time only premium models will be launched. Reports suggest that Apple will bring iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and its first foldable iPhone during this period. The launch of the foldable phone will be historic for Apple as the company will enter this segment for the first time. This device may be similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold in terms of design, but Apple’s special technology and software will give it a different identity.
Base models postponed till 2027
Those who are waiting for the base iPhone 18 or iPhone 18e will have to be a little more patient. Apple has postponed these models till the spring of 2027. The thinking behind this change is that the company should garner discussion in the market with premium phones in Fall 2026 and then come back in the news by launching base models a few months later. This will help Apple to remain active in the market throughout the year and maintain customer interest.
Possible timeline of iPhone 18 series
If we look at the timeline, Apple will launch the iPhone 17 series in the fall of 2025, while the iPhone 17e will come in early 2026. This will be followed by the iPhone 18 Air, Pro, Pro Max and Foldable iPhone in fall 2026. Finally, the base iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e will be launched in the spring of 2027. In this way, Apple will launch new phones twice a year, which will keep the company constantly in trend.
The real reason behind the change
Apple’s move is not limited to just changing the name or postponing the launch. The real reason is the entry of the Foldable iPhone. This product is a completely new segment for the company, and Apple wants to grab maximum headlines by launching it with a premium lineup. The advantage of bringing the base models later will be that Apple will not have to launch everything at once and users will get to see a new iPhone every few months. This strategy can be beneficial for Apple from both a marketing and a business point of view.
Apple’s new launch strategy is a bit surprising for iPhone fans. The tradition of launching the entire iPhone series in September every year seems to be changing now. By launching the foldable iPhone first and postponing the base models till 2027, Apple wants to prove that it can always remain in the news. This means that now Apple users are going to get some new surprise every season.