Apple will not release a standard iPhone 18 model this year, according to multiple reports. The company plans its most significant iPhone launch cycle change in over a decade, splitting releases across two distinct windows.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will launch in September 2026 alongside Apple's first foldable iPhone. The standard iPhone 18 will not arrive until spring 2027, marking the first time Apple skips an entire calendar year without a new flagship non-Pro iPhone.
This staggered approach breaks Apple's traditional September launch pattern established for more than ten years. Under the new strategy, higher-end models debut in fall while lower-cost models follow the next spring.
Apple's expanding iPhone lineup drives the change. With the iPhone 16e and iPhone Air introduced in 2025, plus the expected foldable iPhone in 2026, Apple could have at least eight distinct iPhone models available by year's end. A split release schedule reduces internal competition and spreads sales across fiscal quarters.
Supply chain analysts cite manufacturing benefits for the shift. Spacing out launches helps Apple manage component supply for advanced technologies and smooth revenue recognition. The company currently faces production bottlenecks with its increasingly complex product portfolio.
Foldable iPhone Details Emerge
Apple's first foldable iPhone will feature a book-style design with minimal visible crease, according to YouTuber Jon Prosser's recent leak. The device reportedly measures 9mm when closed and 4.5mm when open, which would make it slightly thicker than Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 when unfolded, according to the leak.
The foldable iPhone will include a 5.5-inch external display and 7.8-inch internal screen, both AMOLED panels. According to the leak, Apple may replace Face ID with a side-mounted Touch ID sensor to accommodate the thin design, similar to the iPad Air's implementation.
Pricing is expected between $2,000 and $2,500, positioning it as Apple's most expensive iPhone to date. The device will launch in black and white color options alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models this fall.
Camera Supplier Shift
Apple may switch from Sony to Samsung for iPhone 18 camera sensors, according to South Korean reports. Samsung will manufacture next-generation image sensors at its Austin, Texas facility, making them US-made components.
The supplier change would break Apple's long-term partnership with Sony, which has supplied iPhone camera sensors for years. Samsung's three-stack image sensor technology could provide significant photography improvements for iPhone 18 Pro models.
Samsung is hiring mechanical project managers for its Austin plant with Apple listed as a main client, indicating preparation for large-scale production. The deal was reportedly finalized in August 2025.
Broader 2026 Product Roadmap
Beyond iPhones, Apple's 2026 roadmap includes OLED MacBook Pro models with touch-enabled displays, according to Macworld. The company may also debut AI-powered smart glasses competing with Meta's Ray-Ban lineup.
The MacBook Pro OLED upgrade will reportedly be limited to higher-end M6 Pro and M6 Max models, while base M6 configurations continue with IPS LCD technology. Touchscreen functionality will serve as a secondary input method rather than replacing traditional interfaces.
Apple is reportedly developing a more affordable MacBook powered by an iPhone-class chipset aimed at students and budget-conscious users. The device could retail between $599 and $699, significantly below the $999 MacBook Air.
Executive Transition Period
2026 could mark a leadership transition period for Apple, according to industry analysis. CEO Tim Cook turned 65 in 2025, and reports suggest the company has accelerated succession planning. Some analysts speculate Cook might follow Steve Jobs' path by becoming Apple board chairman while a new CEO takes operational control, though this remains speculative.
Several long-term Apple executives are approaching retirement age, with key departures beginning in 2025. The company will likely see increased executive turnover as veteran managers from the Steve Jobs era transition out.
Apple's 2026 product lineup represents its most ambitious year since the iPhone's introduction. The company balances foldable innovation with strategic release timing changes, camera technology shifts, and broader ecosystem expansion across Macs, wearables, and AI devices.
