Apple May Soon Change Its iPhone 18 Series Launch Schedule: What the New Timeline Means for Users

For over a decade, Apple has been following a set pattern for unveiling its iPhones, which is every fall in its highly anticipated launch event. Nevertheless, reports indicate that with the arrival of iPhone 18, the tech giant will soon be ditching its familiar pattern and coming up with a new launch schedule. It might be the company’s biggest shift in its release strategy, introducing twice-a –launch cycle beginning with the iPhone 18 series.

iPhone 18 New Launch Cycle Strategy

As per reports coming from the analyst Mark Gurman, Apple may start by dividing its iPhone releases into two windows. The first window will be in the fall, and the second will be in the spring. The company is expected to introduce its most premium models, including iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the long-rumored foldable iPhone in fall 2026.

However, the remaining models, including the standard iPhone 18 and the affordable version iPhone 18e, might arrive in the spring of 2027.

This new approach from Apple will spread out the release schedule and process both. This will also ensure the brand is making a fresh product announcement twice a year instead of once. If this happens, then we might see as many as 5 to 6 iPhone models launched annually.

iPhone Air Might Release in the Spring Window

Mark Gurman also hinted that Apple might reserve the spring season for a lighter and more affordable device known as the iPhone Air. While reports indicate that Apple might have paused the plans for a second generation of iPhone Air, nothing has been officially confirmed. The additional product slot, however, shows Apple’s growing interest in expanding its lineup for different user segments.

Why Apple is Planning to Change its Release Cycle

Further, the reports indicate that unveiling all iPhones in the fall is putting immense pressure on Apple’s engineering team and marketing teams. There have been recent delays in rolling out advanced features like Apple Intelligence and the revamped Siri. This has highlighted that the current schedule is extremely demanding, and by splitting releases, Apple can smooth out the process.

What This Means for Future iPhone Buyers

If Apple follows its split-release strategy, then all the iPhone lovers could witness Pro models in September, while the standard and budget models would arrive after six months.