Apple is planning to change its iPhone release schedule next year to manage the upcoming foldable iPhone’s release, according to reports from The Information. The plan includes releasing only premium iPhones in fall 2026 and shuffling the standard iPhone 18 release back to spring 2027.
The move comes as Apple prepares for a new lineup with the foldable iPhone expected to be released alongside the iPhone 16E follow-up. To make things more manageable, Apple will prioritize the slimmer models, such as the iPhone 18 Pro and “Air” variants, which are set to debut in fall 2026.
The foldable iPhone is rumored to feature a book-style form factor with a 5.7-inch screen when closed and an under-8-inch display when open. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously suggested it would be around 4.5–4.8mm thick and use Face ID instead of Touch ID.
Additionally, Apple plans to introduce a new battery case for the iPhone 17 Air due to concerns about its battery life being shorter than previous models. The company is also rumored to incorporate under-display Face ID sensors on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models, resulting in only a small hole cutout in the top-left corner of the screen.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/660739/apple-may-stagger-next-years-iphones-to-make-way-for-a-foldable