Apple May Skip iPhone 18 in 2026: Major Launch Strategy Shift Leaked
Under a new strategy, Apple could separate its iPhone launches into two phases, debuting only Pro models in 2026 while delaying the standard iPhone 18 until 2027.
As we step into 2025, leaks around Apple’s upcoming devices have already started surfacing online. The topic doing the rounds on the internet is that Apple may be changing its iPhone launch dates.
Rumours suggest that the Cupertino-based company is working on its first-ever foldable iPhone, which could be a major shift in terms of when and how new iPhones are launched.
Earlier reports hinted that Apple might launch the iPhone 18 as early as mid-June 2026, which in itself was a big surprise. However, fresh leaks are pointing to even bigger changes, suggesting that Apple might skip launching the standard iPhone 18 in 2026 and push it to 2027.
If these rumours turn out to be true, it would be the first time Apple skips an entire year without launching a new non-Pro iPhone model. For more than a decade, the company has stuck to its strict September launch cycle, where all iPhones were announced together.
iPhone 18 Pro Models in 2026
According to some leaks, Apple might split its iPhone launches into two phases.
Under this new plan, no standard iPhone 18 would launch in 2026. Instead, only Pro and premium models would be released.
As per the plan:
-
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will launch in autumn 2026.
-
Apple’s first-ever foldable phone might also release around the same time.
The regular iPhone 18, along with the iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2, may arrive in spring 2027.
But the question remains: why is Apple changing its marketing strategy?
As Apple continues to expand its iPhone lineup, this move appears to be linked to that growth. The company has already introduced the iPhone 16e and iPhone Air in 2025, and with a foldable iPhone expected in 2026, along with other models such as the iPhone 16 Plus, launching everything together could create internal competition.
Some reports suggest that this approach could also ease production pressures, as advanced chips, foldable displays, and camera components are harder to scale. Staggered launches may improve inventory management and help Apple spread revenue more evenly across fiscal quarters.
For consumers waiting for the next standard iPhone, the wait could be longer. For Apple, however, the shift may prove to be a smart long-term strategy. If the leaks are accurate, 2026 will focus on Pro models and foldables, with the regular iPhone 18 arriving in 2027.