Apple To Launch Six Iphones In 2026 With A Completely New Release Timeline; Two Launch Events For Iphone 18 Series

Apple is preparing to radically overhaul its long-standing iPhone motorboat strategy starting successful 2026, pinch a activity of caller devices, including its first foldable iPhone, group to debut crossed 2 abstracted events annually, according to aggregate reports, including The Information and study from Ming-Chi Kuo.

Since 2011, Apple has followed a predictable merchandise pattern, unveiling each flagship iPhones each September. That cadence, however, will displacement dramatically. From 2026, Apple is reportedly planning to adopt a biannual motorboat cycle, splitting its iPhone announcements betwixt outpouring and autumn. The institution is expected to usage nan first half of nan twelvemonth to motorboat much affordable models, while reserving nan 2nd half for Pro-level and foldable devices.

Two Launch Events, More iPhones

2025 will beryllium nan last twelvemonth nether nan existent unified schedule, pinch nan iPhone 17 series, including nan iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and a caller iPhone 17 Slim (also referred to arsenic iPhone 17 Air), expected successful autumn.

In 2026, Apple plans to unveil a grounds six iPhone models. The outpouring arena will reportedly characteristic nan iPhone 17e and nan guidelines exemplary iPhone 18. Then, successful nan autumn, nan institution will present nan iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Slim, and, for nan first clip ever, nan much-rumoured foldable iPhone, presently dubbed nan "iPhone Fold".

This staggered rollout is expected to proceed into 2027 and beyond.

Why is Apple Changing Course?

The displacement successful schedule is mostly motivated by accrued world competition, particularly from Chinese smartphone makers who motorboat devices successful nan first half of nan year. By moving immoderate iPhone launches to spring, Apple intends to compete head-to-head and amended align pinch marketplace trends.

Additionally, nan caller schedule could easiness unit connected Apple’s manufacturing operations and thief trim labour and accumulation costs. By spacing retired launches, Apple whitethorn besides amended trading impact, giving entry-level and mid-tier models much room to radiance without being overshadowed by high-end Pro variants.

Apple is besides reportedly expanding accumulation efforts successful India, peculiarly for its fund models, successful a move to trim dependency connected Chinese factories and navigate geopolitical and tariff-related challenges.

The Foldable iPhone: What We Know

The foldable iPhone, expected successful precocious 2026, will apt characteristic a book-style creation alternatively than a clamshell form. Reports propose it will athletics a 5.7-inch outer show and a astir 8-inch internal show erstwhile unfolded. It is besides rumoured to characteristic a punch-hole selfie camera, a dual rear camera setup, and Face ID integration, skipping Touch ID entirely.

Apple is reportedly moving pinch Samsung Display arsenic nan exclusive supplier for nan foldable OLED panels. Samsung is nan only partner that has met Apple’s stringent requirements for crease minimisation and durability. Other suppliers, specified arsenic LG Display and BOE, are said to person fallen short.

The iPhone Fold is expected to beryllium ultra-thin, astir 4.5mm to 4.8mm thick, drafting creation cues from nan upcoming iPhone 17 Air, and whitethorn transportation a value tag adjacent $2,000.

Under-Display Face ID connected iPhone 18

Apple is besides readying a important redesign crossed its 2026 iPhones. One of nan standout innovations could beryllium an under-display Face ID system. While it whitethorn not hide each hardware components, it is expected to trim nan notch size to a azygous punch-hole camera, streamlining nan beforehand show creation further.