Apple’s iPhone 18 Launch Timeline Could Change as Foldable iPhone Plans Emerge

Apple is set to launch the highly awaited iPhone 17 series at the start of next month, yet even before Apple makes it official, the focus is moving towards the company's 2026 lineup. Reports reveal that Apple is going to change its iPhone launch strategy on a large scale with the iPhone 18 series, and this may also change the way the vanilla iPhone 18 hits the shelves.

Apple May Postpone the Vanilla iPhone 18 Launch

Historically, Apple has debuted all the models of a new iPhone family at the same time in September, but that may no longer be the case in 2026. It is now rumored that the iPhone 18 will not debut at the same time as the iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Apple is rumored to be delaying its release to as early as 2027.

This isn't Apple ditching the base model; it's simply delaying it strategically. If reports are to be believed from a prominent Korean publication, then the iPhone 18 is set to be launched in 2027 along with Apple's first foldable iPhone. This strategy might just assist Apple in selling more premium models, as consumers who wouldn't like to wait might turn towards the iPhone 18 Air or Pro models instead.

Why Apple May Be Shifting Its Strategy

Apple hasn't officially announced these shifts, but the speculation in the industry is that the exclusion of the vanilla iPhone 18 in 2026 may encourage buyers to opt for more expensive alternatives. Apple has previously been the master of upselling clients, and this delayed launch may be another means of reinforcing that plan.

However, interestingly enough, this is not the first time there have been predictions of changes in Apple's iPhone plan. Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously asserted that the iPhone 18 was not going to feature in the September 2026 event, and the iPhone 18 Air, Pro, and Pro Max would be released alongside the foldable iPhone.

Foldable iPhone Expected in 2027

Another major highlight is Apple's debut foldable iPhone, which has been under development for years. Last week, analyst Jeff Pu of GF Securities said mass production of the foldable iPhone has been pushed to the fourth quarter of 2026, making its September release improbable. Instead, the phone now is likely to release in early 2027, just in time to ride alongside the vanilla iPhone 18.

This shift in timeline suggests that 2027 might be one of the most significant years for Apple, as not only does it refresh its current lineup but also venture into the world of foldable smartphones to rival its competitors, including Samsung, Huawei, and Oppo.

iPhone 17 Series

Prior to these major revamps in 2026–27, Apple is already updating its game plan with the next iPhone 17 series. The corporation is said to be retiring the Plus variant after the iPhone 16 series and introducing the new iPhone 17 Air, which will reportedly be the thinnest and lightest iPhone produced to date. This action demonstrates Apple's emphasis on thinner, more premium builds to enhance appeal to more people.

Apple's speculated push to postpone the vanilla iPhone 18 release to 2027 is a drastic change to its launch schedule. While the iPhone 18 Air, Pro, and Pro Max will probably arrive in 2026, followed by the firm's first foldable iPhone in 2027, the approach may redefine the process of consumers upgrading their handsets.

While Apple keeps redefining its iPhone series with thinner, lighter, and more innovative forms, it is evident that the company is gearing up for a future with foldables and new form factors taking the center stage. For the time being, everyone's focus is on the iPhone 17 series launch next month, but the iPhone 18 timeline and foldable iPhone release are already creating huge hype in the tech space.