If you’re planning to buy the standard iPhone 18 next year, you may want to reconsider, as Apple appears set to change its product release schedule.
According to reports, the basic iPhone 18 model will not launch next year as originally expected, forcing customers to wait until early 2027. Initially, the iPhone 18 was believed to be slated for release alongside Samsung’s Galaxy S26 in early 2026—just a few months after the iPhone 17 launch—but that plan has now been altered.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Air, Pro, and Pro Max models are still on track for a September 2026 release. Notably, Apple is also expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone at the same time, which is seen as a major upgrade compared to the Pro Max lineup.
The report suggests Apple believes this new strategy could boost iPhone sales. If the base model were released earlier, users might upgrade to it and then feel pressured to upgrade again to a Pro version shortly afterward. However, opinions are divided—some support the approach, while others argue it may harm overall iPhone sales.
Apple’s budget-friendly lineup remains unchanged, with the iPhone 17e expected to debut alongside its predecessor, the iPhone 16e.
As for Apple’s biggest U.S. rival, Samsung, the South Korean company currently has no plans to alter its release cycle. The Galaxy S26 will be unveiled early next year, followed by the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 in the following months. Still, that strategy could shift if Apple significantly disrupts its flagship launch timeline.