There are increasing indications that an iPhone that we actually expect in 2026 will not appear this year after all. This is what’s going on.
This iPhone will not be released this year
Normally, Apple would release the iPhone 18 series in September 2026, which consists of the iPhone 18, iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. But Apple has other plans this year. It looks like this sources It appears that the standard iPhone 18 will not appear.
Despite the huge success of the iPhone 17 in 2025, we don’t expect the iPhone 18 until spring 2027. This means that the iPhone 17 will remain the latest standard model in the lineup for more than 18 months. It is the first time that Apple has skipped more than an entire calendar year without releasing a new generation of the current non-Pro iPhone.

Spring 2027
For more than a decade, Apple has been introducing its flagship iPhone range in the fall. All models will then be launched simultaneously in September. This pattern is likely to change this year. According to rumors, Apple will divide the upcoming iPhone releases into two different times. The more expensive models will be released next autumn and the cheaper models will follow in early 2027.
It therefore does not look like the iPhone 18 will be released in 2026. Instead, we expect the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the first foldable iPhone in September. The standard iPhone 18 will then be released in spring 2027, likely along with the iPhone 18e and the iPhone Air 2.
The rumors that the iPhone 18 will not be released this year are related to the expansion of Apple’s iPhone range. With the arrival of the iPhone 16e and iPhone Air in 2025, the expected foldable iPhone in 2026 and older models such as the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, there would be at least eight different iPhone models available for purchase by the end of 2026. With a staggered release schedule, Apple can further differentiate the models. They will therefore have a longer sales window without internal competition.
There are also advantages in the field of production and logistics. By staggering launches, Apple can reduce production bottlenecks and better manage the supply of components for advanced technologies. If you don’t want to miss any of these developments at Apple, sign up for our newsletter!

Download the iPhoned app
