Apple’s foldable future could entirely reshape its iPhone release schedule ‣ Diverse Daily

Summary

Apple may stagger iPhone releases in 2026, launching expensive models in the fall and cheaper ones the following spring.
The main reason for the shuffled release could be because of Apple’s first foldable iPhone, expected to debut in 2026.
The foldable iPhone is rumored to feature a book-style form factor, rely on Touch ID, and cost over $2,000.

Since the launch of the

iPhone 5
in September 2012, Apple has maintained its habit of releasing new iPhones each fall. Now, well over a decade and numerous new iPhone models later, Apple may finally shake up its release schedule in 2026.

According to The Information, Apple will change the release cycle for its smartphones, starting with the

iPhone 18
series in 2026. Reportedly, Apple’s plan is to release its more expensive models first, meaning the iPhone 18 Pro series, while the iPhone 18’s release will be pushed back until the spring of 2027.

This marks a significant departure from what many Apple fans are accustomed to, with a single, large iPhone release every September. But why is Apple potentially staggering its releases all of a sudden? Well, it may have something to do with its long-awaited

foldable iPhone
.

Is the iPhone 15 still worth buying in 2025? The answer is complicated

Possibly, but you shouldn’t get one straight from Apple.

Apple’s first foldable iPhone could debut in 2026

All the iPhone 17 models are still expected to come out this September at once

Multi-tasking with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 6

There are reportedly two main reasons Apple is shifting its iPhone releases. Firstly, it is to pave the way for its first foldable iPhone, which could finally be arriving in the fall of 2026, after years of rumors and speculation. Secondly, it is to make Apple’s iPhone lineup more manageable. With the introduction of a foldable iPhone, there would be six different models available.

Essentially, Apple would be taking its iPhone lineup and evenly splitting it in half: three models in the fall and three models in the spring.

If The Information’s report is accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone will debut in the fall of 2026, likely in September. Then, the iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Air, and iPhone 18e will launch in the spring of 2027, possibly in March. Essentially, Apple will be taking its iPhone lineup and evenly splitting it in half: three models in the fall and three models in the spring.

As for what the first foldable iPhone has in store for Apple fans, it will reportedly feature a book-style form factor (like the Galaxy Z Fold series), with a 5.5-inch outer display (when closed) and around a 7.8-inch inner display (when opened). Apple supply-chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported back in March that the foldable iPhone could measure between 4.5mm and 4.8mm thick when unfolded, and due to its slim profile, it will use Touch ID on a side button rather than Face ID.

Kuo also stated that it will be a “top-tier iPhone,” potentially costing anywhere between $2,000 and $2,500, with three to five million units expected to ship in 2026.

As for Apple’s plan for this year, all four of the iPhone 17 models are expected to launch in the fall…

As for Apple’s plan for this year, all four of the iPhone 17 models are expected to launch in the fall, including the new ”

iPhone 17 Air
.” If Apple does decide to shuffle its releases starting in 2026, this could mean 2025 is the final year when the standard and pro iPhone models launch at the same time.

Personally, I’m glad to hear Apple could be splitting up its iPhone launches. Having so many iPhone models launched at once could be confusing to consumers, and a staggered release would make it easier to differentiate between the different classes of iPhones. And let’s face it, the iPhone is so powerful nowadays that waiting until the spring for a new base model isn’t the end of the world.

iPhone 16 Pro Max

Brand: Apple
SoC: A18 Pro (3nm)
Display: 6.9-inch 1,320 x 2,868 pixel resolution LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typical), 2000 nits (peak)
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Ports: USB-C
Front camera: 12-megapixel, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6″, PDAF, OIS