According to Gizchina, information from analyst Ming-chi Kuo suggests that the company may move to a new iPhone release schedule, twice a year, starting in 2026. This means that the standard iPhone 18 model could be delayed until early 2027.
If this plan becomes a reality, it will be a major turning point compared to Apple's tradition, which usually launches all new iPhone lines in September every year. The new strategy could change the pace of the company's hardware announcement in the future.
According to reports, Apple will still launch 4 models of the iPhone 17 series this year. In particular, a model that was rumored to be called the iPhone 17 Air may officially be called the iPhone 17 Slim.
This is considered an effort by Apple to compete directly with Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S25 Edge model, showing that the company is focusing on design elements in the high-end segment.
The first signal shows that a change in the release schedule may appear from early 2026, with the launch of the iPhone 17e. This model is expected to follow the iPhone 16e, which is also expected to launch early in the year. This shows that Apple is building a separate product line for affordable iPhone models, no longer combined in the fall as before.
The biggest change is expected to come in September 2026, when Apple launches devices such as the iPhone 18 Slim, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and could be the first foldable iPhone model.
However, the standard iPhone 18 model will not be in this group, but will be moved to early 2027, along with the iPhone 18e. With this approach, Apple can allocate iPhone launches more evenly throughout the year.
According to Kuo, the main driver of the adjustment is competitiveness. He said Apple wants to maintain a market presence throughout the year, especially in the first half of the year - when many Android brands launch their flagship phones.
If the plan is implemented, the iPhone lineup will be more disjointed, with launches in both spring and fall, thereby enhancing the company's presence throughout the year.
