Apple is considering a shift in its iPhone release schedule that could see the standard iPhone 18 arrive later than expected. The base model may be pushed to 2027, while the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are still expected to launch in late 2026.
If the plan goes ahead then Apple would break its long-standing practice of refreshing its mainstream iPhone every year.
Multiple media report suggests that the iPhone 17 could remain on sale for up to 18 months, which is significantly longer than the usual 12-month cycle. Apple has rarely extended the lifespan of its base iPhone models, with the transition from the iPhone 4 to the iPhone 4S being one of the few exceptions.
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Pro models likely to arrive on schedule
While the standard model may be delayed, Apple is expected to retain its usual autumn launch window for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in 2026. This would mark a change in strategy, with premium models debuting without a base variant at the same time.
For more than a decade, Apple has unveiled its main iPhone lineup together in September. Even during the pandemic-hit iPhone 12 cycle in 2020, the company released all models within a narrow window. A staggered rollout would represent a clear departure from that approach.
According to the report, Apple could introduce the regular iPhone 18 in spring 2027, possibly alongside new variants such as an iPhone 18e or a second-generation iPhone Air.
Why Apple may space out launches
Industry watchers say a split launch schedule could help Apple manage a growing product lineup while reducing internal competition between models. Cost pressures may also be playing a role.
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Reports indicate that Apple’s move to a 2-nanometre chip process could raise production costs, and delaying certain models may help spread expenses across multiple launch windows. There is also speculation about design updates, including changes to the camera bump and display cut-out, though Apple has not confirmed any such details.
For now, the reported changes remain unannounced, and Apple has not commented on its future iPhone release plans.
