For years, Apple has been releasing all the models of its yearly iPhone lineup at a single event, barring the iPhone 16e, which launched earlier this year. It now looks like the brand is restructuring the product lineup and release schedule for next year's iPhones and, surprisingly, the iPhone 18 may not be part of 2026's launches.
According to Korean publication ET News, Apple is planning to reorganize their product release schedule and a huge part of this change may have to do with the standard version of the iPhone 18 which may not release in 2026. Instead, the company is planning to shift to two releases per year, with budget-friendly models in the first half and premium versions in the second half.
The source suggests that like the iPhone 16e this year, Apple will release the iPhone 17e during the first half of 2026. It will then host a launch event for its premium models in the second half, i.e., fall 2026 and this will comprise the iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the much awaited foldable iPhone.
This means, Apple won't release the vanilla iPhone 18 in 2026. Instead, from 2027, Apple reportedly will release a total of six iPhones per cycle – two models in the first half of a year and four in the second half. The two versions expected during the first half are the iPhone "e" model and the "standard" iPhone, while the second half would see the see same lineup of premium and foldable iPhones.
So, while the iPhone 18 may not release next year, it's now likely to be announced in 2027 along with the iPhone 18e. It's an approach that's different from Apple's traditional route, but it may very well help the brand preserve interest throughout the year.
