Apple will unveil its iPhone 17 series this September, but attention is already turning to 2026’s lineup. A significant change is coming to Apple’s iPhone release schedule, according to The Information. The publication reports that Apple plans to stagger the iPhone 18 lineup launches in 2026 and 2027, breaking from its traditional all-at-once September unveilings.

New release timeline for iPhone 18 series

According to the report, Apple will introduce the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, a sleek iPhone 18 Air, and its first foldable iPhone during its usual fall event in 2026. The standard iPhone 18 and a budget-friendly iPhone 18e, a successor to the iPhone 16e, will follow in spring 2027.

This shift aims to ease production demands, particularly as Apple ramps up manufacturing in India to reduce reliance on China amid trade tensions. The staggered timeline could also streamline factory operations, requiring fewer workers for each cycle. The iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to feature under-display Face ID, replacing the Dynamic Island with a single front camera cutout, while the Air model will emphasize a slim design.

Apple’s foldable iPhone, anticipated for 2026, promises a book-like design with a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner screen for enhanced multitasking. To tackle durability concerns, Apple is reportedly using a liquid metal hinge to minimize creasing. The device, potentially measuring 4.5mm when unfolded, may skip Face ID for a Touch ID power button sensor and feature a titanium chassis with a dual-camera system. Expected to be priced at around $2,000, it could be Apple’s priciest iPhone yet. Enhanced AI features and software optimizations will likely position it as a premium, AI-driven device, setting the stage for future foldable iPads or MacBooks.

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