(Image source from: Livemint.com)
Apple's iPhone 18 series may not be released all at the same time as previously reported. Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, a reliable source for news about Apple, has repeated these assertions. The Pro models are anticipated to launch next year, while the basic iPhone 18 might not hit the shelves until 2027. The tech company based in Cupertino is also likely to present totally new designs for smartphones in the coming years, including its very first foldable phone and a brand-new premium device. In the most recent issue of his newsletter named Power On, Gurman mentions that Apple's new release schedule will kick off in fall 2026, when the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to be announced sometime from September to November. He also notes that Apple is thinking about launching its long-awaited first foldable iPhone around that same time, which would be a major move in hardware for the company. The next set of devices is expected to arrive in spring 2027, probably between March and May. During this time frame, Apple might unveil the regular iPhone 18, the iPhone 18e, and an updated version of the iPhone Air, creating a lineup across two different release times rather than just one.
Gurman indicates that this change is part of a larger adjustment in how Apple organizes its smartphone launches. For many years, the company would release almost everything in the fall, showcasing four key models each season, with two Pro models and two mid-range models, and sometimes SE or "e" editions launching earlier in the year. Although this pattern was predictable, it put a lot of pressure on the engineering teams, suppliers, and marketing teams. It might have also led to problems like the complex launch of Apple Intelligence in 2024, which revealed how overloaded the fall schedule had become. By spreading out the releases starting in 2026, Apple hopes to avoid these tough bottlenecks and give each device the attention it needs. The new staggered release strategy may help in balancing work within the company, improving coordination with manufacturing partners, and ensuring smoother launches of significant features.
As a result, Apple is expected to offer five to six iPhone models each year, Gurman added, giving customers more options throughout the year rather than concentrating everything in the fall.
