Brace yourself: Apple may be flipping the script on how—and when—it drops new iPhones. According to a new report from The Information, Apple is planning to break away from its long-standing “one mega launch event” tradition, starting with the iPhone 18 lineup in 2026. Instead of launching all models in one go every September, Apple may split iPhone releases across two seasons: high-end models in autumn, and base models in the spring.
Yes, you read that right. Two iPhone drops a year.
What’s Changing?
If this report pans out (and given The Information’s track record, it might), Apple’s autumn event in 2026 could focus solely on its premium flagships: the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and possibly a new ultra-thin model called the iPhone 18 Air. Oh and the long-rumored, finally-materializing foldable iPhone may also crash that party.
Then, in spring 2027, Apple would follow up with the standard iPhone 18 and a budget-friendly iPhone 18e.
This change isn’t coming out of nowhere. Apple’s been quietly testing the waters already, launching devices like the iPhone SE and the iPhone 16e outside its usual cycle. But a split launch strategy across the entire iPhone range? That’s uncharted territory and it could seriously shake up the mobile market.
Why Is Apple Doing This?
The iPhone lineup is getting crowded. Between base models, Pro models, e-models, Airs, and now a foldable,Apple needs breathing room. This staggered release cycle would not only give each model its own moment in the spotlight, but also help Apple keep the hype alive year-round.
And there’s another layer: Apple’s first foldable iPhone.
Meet the Foldable iPhone (Finally)
Rumors of a foldable iPhone have been swirling for years, but the latest leaks suggest we might actually see it in 2026. It’s expected to rock a clamshell or book-style design with a 5.7-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner display when unfolded. That would put it squarely in Galaxy Z Fold territory,but with Apple’s signature polish.
What’s especially wild, It could be just 4.5mm thick when open. That’s razor-thin. To pull that off, Apple may ditch Face ID altogether and go with a side-mounted Touch ID instead.
Of course, innovation doesn’t come cheap. The foldable iPhone is rumored to land somewhere between $2,100 and $2,300. For that price, it better cook dinner and walk your dog.
What This Means for You
If you’re the kind of person who upgrades every year, this change could impact your buying decisions. Waiting for all four models to drop at once? That won’t be the game anymore. You might have to choose between the Pro lineup first—or wait six more months to see what the base models bring.
On the flip side, it could be a smart move. Apple keeps its products front and center all year, and customers don’t feel overwhelmed by too many choices at once. Plus, it gives each model more room to breathe—and maybe even lets the company experiment more with bold designs.
