The report states that Apple has informed some suppliers that the iPhone 18 will not be part of the product lineup scheduled for September 2026.

Instead, the company will unveil only high-end models in the fall of that year, with the base version and a budget-friendly model, dubbed “iPhone 18e,” set to launch the following March.

ETNews cited industry insiders who revealed that Apple has already begun discussing this adjustment with component and material suppliers.

As a result of the new schedule, consumers seeking a new iPhone in the fall of 2026 will only have premium options. The base and budget versions won’t be available until about six months later.

This would mark the first time since the original iPhone debuted in 2007 that Apple omits a “standard” model from its annual fall event.

The shift is believed to align with Apple’s plans to introduce its first foldable iPhone, expected to debut in the fall of 2026 as a flagship product alongside the iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

Apple’s updated strategy effectively splits its iPhone cycle into two separate phases: premium devices in the second half of the year and more affordable devices in the first half.

This restructuring began earlier this year when Apple launched the iPhone 16e, replacing the SE line as its main budget-friendly option. Unlike the SE, which had a separate designation, the e-series integrates with the main iPhone line by using the previous year's numbering.

In May, both The Information and supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple is considering a biannual release cycle to maintain steady sales year-round. By launching devices in both March and September, the company can avoid over-concentration of revenue in Q4 following the September event and capitalize on traditionally weaker quarters.

The iPhone 17 series, launching this year, will be the last to follow the traditional release format. The lineup is expected to include the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, while the iPhone 17e will debut in March 2026.

In September 2026, Apple will introduce four high-end models: iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its first foldable iPhone. The base iPhone 18 and the iPhone 18e will then be released in March 2027.

By 2027, Apple’s iPhone portfolio may expand to six new models annually. If the company continues offering older models at reduced prices, the total lineup could include up to ten options.

Hai Phong