Apple might change the release schedule of its flagship iPhones in 2026. Apple usually launches all its flagship models at the same time. There was only one exception to this, where the iPhone 12 Mini and 12 Pro Max went on sale a few weeks after. This gave them two separate waves of coverage; however, there were inventory delays due to the pandemic at the time.
Apple always launches all models at the same time every year. This might change soon. As per a paid article from The Information, Apple might launch the Pro models in the fall (September to October), and the base models in the Spring (between March and May). Presently, all models are launched in the fall.
If this leak is correct, then the fall launch in 2026 will consist of the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the iPhone 18 Slim or “Air.” However, there could be another addition to this lineup. There are longstanding rumors of Apple launching a foldable iPhone soon.
The foldable iPhone will probably join the Pro models in the fall launch, and the shift in launch strategy is mostly due to adding the new foldable iPhone to the portfolio of iPhones. We might not get the standard or base iPhone 18 models in September of next year. Instead, we’ll have to wait until the Spring season of 2027, when the company may announce the base iPhone 18, the iPhone 18 Plus, and the new update to the ‘e’ series of iPhones.
Apple is also planning to diversify manufacturing to reflect these changes. The cheaper base model, the ‘e’ model, and the Plus models might undergo production trials in India. This will also reduce the dependence on China for manufacturing. Due to unpredictable taxation in the USA, the company is planning to reduce how much it depends on China for manufacturing. Additionally, launching 6 models at the same time will also create pressure on manufacturing facilities and the workforce, since Apple’s products generally sell in extremely huge numbers. Spacing out the launch times also helps the company manage the supply chain better.
The iPhone 18 Pro model will likely feature cutting-edge under-display Face ID, with a corner punch hole at the left for the front camera. The facial recognition components could go underneath the display for the first time. This removes the need for a notch or Dynamic Island cutout, though the feature will likely continue via software.
