Apple’s iPhone 18 May Not Launch Until 2027, in a Foldable-First Strategy

Apple is rumored to be changing up its iPhone launch schedule, with a report suggesting that the base iPhone 18 model won’t make its debut until the spring of 2027. This would mark a significant shift from the usual mid-September release schedule that Apple typically follows.

While Apple has occasionally released new handsets in the spring, such as new color variants or budget models, the delay of the iPhone 18 lineup to the spring of 2027 would be a departure from the norm. This report, initially published by the Korean newspaper ET-news and later picked up by MacRumors, suggests that the iPhone 18 and an affordable iPhone 18e model will be unveiled six months later than usual.

While this information is still just a rumor at this point, it aligns with previous reports suggesting that Apple may adopt a staggered release strategy for its future iPhone models. The Verge reported earlier this year that Apple is planning to launch its first foldable phone as part of the iPhone 18 lineup, which could explain the delayed release of the base iPhone 18 model.

Industry sources speculate that Apple’s foldable phone, rumored to be a book-style design, will be part of a lineup that includes six variants: iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18e, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone 18 Fold. This could be why Apple is considering a staggered release strategy, with the high-end models debuting in September and the cheaper models following later on.

The change in release strategy may have already been hinted at by the introduction of the iPhone 16e this year, which replaced the expected iPhone SE 4 model. The naming convention of the iPhone 16e suggests that it is part of the current iPhone lineup, which was launched in September 2024.

This new launch strategy could give Apple two opportunities to generate sales and media attention, as well as make it easier for journalists to cover and review the new models. While the reliability of ET-News’ predictions about upcoming Apple products has been mixed in the past, the consistency of this rumor across multiple sources suggests that there may be some truth to it.

For those considering a new phone, the latest Google Pixel 10 phones offer a tempting alternative to the upcoming iPhone models. Whether or not the rumors about the iPhone 18 lineup prove to be true, it’s clear that Apple is looking to shake things up with its future releases.