Apple plans to stagger release dates with iPhone 18 Pro in fall 2026, iPhone 18 in spring 2027

iPhone 16e camera
Apple may adopt a staggered release for the iPhone 18 lineup in 2026, with Pro models launching in the fall and standard models in the spring. Rumors also suggest the iPhone 18 Pro could feature a variable aperture camera for enhanced photo control and a new C2 modem. A foldable iPhone is speculated for 2026.
Michael Burkhardt for 9to5Mac:
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According to a new report from Wayne Ma from The Information, Apple may be looking to shake up its release strategy with the iPhone 18 lineup, with some models launching in the fall as they would normally, and others moving to a new spring release window.
With this plan, Apple hopes to “rejuvenate” its iPhone sales.
Part of Apple’s plan to revive its sales has to do with the launch of the new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air this year, though suppliers aren’t confident that phone will do well. According to the report, iPhone 17 Air is only making up around 10% of production capacity.
Beyond the iPhone 17 Air, Apple also wants to implement a staggered release schedule for the iPhone lineup. Starting in 2026 with the iPhone 18 lineup, Apple would like to launch the premium models in the fall, and the lower end models later in the spring.

Wayne Ma for The Information:
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The iPhone 18 series will include updated versions of Apple’s thin iPhone, Pro and Pro Max, along with the new foldable device. In spring 2027, Apple plans to release the standard iPhone 18 and a successor to the more budget-friendly iPhone 16e, the people said.
Both those models, which are based on older and less complicated designs, will undergo manufacturing trials first in India as part of Apple’s efforts to reduce its manufacturing risk in China, two of the people said.

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MacDailyNews Take: So, as many expected, if this report holds true, there’ll be no “iPhone 17e” as the entry-level iPhone is on a two-year cycle with “iPhone 18e” in spring 2027 being the next-gen budget iPhone. The current Apple A18-powered iPhone 16e was just recently released on February 28, 2025.
As for the staggered release dates, it may do more to boost iPhone mix and ASP – selling more Pro models in the fall, in the run-up to Christmas – and fewer non-Pro models in the spring (as more would already have new iPhone Pros purchased just a few months prior) than it would to boost overall iPhone sales.

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