Apple is reportedly considering a significant change to its iPhone launch schedule that could see the standard iPhone 18 released in early 2027 instead of 2026, while the Pro models would still debut on schedule in 2026.
At a recent shareholders’ meeting, Lin En-ping, chairman of Apple supplier Largan Precision, said that a large customer in the United States had delayed the release of a new product until the first quarter of 2027, according to international media reports. He didn’t mention the company or product, but the analysts from technology think that the comments could be related to Apple’s future plans on the iPhone.
It is said that Apple may be breaking up the launch of its flagship smartphones into two phases in the near future. The iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple’s first foldable phone would hit the market in the second half of 2026, according to the plan. In the meantime, there may be a new iPhone Air model, the standard iPhone 18, and iPhone 18e to be announced in spring of 2027.
Consultants predict that the change will enable Apple to handle its growing product offering while keeping sales strong all year long.
The foldable iPhone will be Apple’s biggest product announcement of 2026. The device is rumoured to be a book-like foldable display, include a large screen for internal use, and a smaller external screen, and will cost approximately $2,000.
Rumours suggest that Apple’s next-generation iPhone 18 may be powered by the company’s new A20 processor, have up to 12GB of RAM, and include an improved front-facing camera and a brighter screen. There are also reports that Apple might also be adding a smaller version of Dynamic Island to the entire iPhone 18 lineup.
Apple has yet to officially announce these plans, but there has been an abundance of speculation from consumers and industry watchers about the change of strategy.
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