According to the latest reports, Apple is preparing a change in strategy and the standard iPhone 18 could be moved to the spring of 2027. After the standard iPhone 17 hit the market in September 2025 and achieved extremely good results thanks to good specifications and an affordable price, multiple sources now claim that the successor will not be presented in the usual time frame.
For the past ten years, Apple has almost without exception released a complete series of new iPhone models in the fall, usually in September. However, there could be a change this year.
The change of pace in Apple’s strategy affects the release of the iPhone 18 model
Numerous reports in recent months suggest that Apple plans to split the presentation of new iPhone models into two separate dates in the future, instead of showing all models at once. According to this alleged strategy, priority in the autumn period would be given to premium models, while standard and more affordable models would be moved to next year.
If these claims are true, the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the first foldable iPhone will be the focus of Apple’s fall 2026 event. The standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e would be reserved for fall 2027. When it comes to the iPhone Air 2 model, information is still divided: some sources expect it this fall, while others estimate that it will arrive only in the spring.
One thing, however, is clear: with this schedule, the sales cycle of the standard iPhone 17 would be extended to more than 18 months. Analysts believe that this change should enable a clearer separation of model positioning, a longer life cycle of each device and a reduction in mutual “cannibalism” within the iPhone line. At the same time, the division of terms would facilitate production and logistics, reducing pressure on supply chains, reports LTN.