Apple is reportedly planning to change its iPhone release schedule, starting with the iPhone 18 model, which will launch twice a year – once in fall and again in spring.
According to three unnamed sources in the supply chain, the more expensive Pro models will be released first, followed by less expensive models like the iPhone 18. This new strategy could help Apple spread its income more evenly throughout the year and potentially drive more sales of Pro models.
The change in release schedule may also address manufacturing and production costs, as labor pools for large-scale productions are dwindling in China. Furthermore, this shift could minimize distribution costs by even out the company’s financial burden.
If true, this move would mean that Apple will launch iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September 2026, followed by a mid-range model like iPhone 18e in spring 2027. The new strategy could also lead to a slimmer version of the iPhone, such as the iPhone 17 Slim or iPhone 17 Air, launching at an unspecified time.
This change is expected to affect Apple’s sales patterns, with the Pro models launching months before less expensive alternatives. While it’s early to speculate on details about the iPhone 18, this shift could bring several benefits, including improved marketing and reduced production costs.
Source: https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/05/03/apple-is-rumored-to-radically-change-up-the-iphone-18-release-schedule