It Is Claimed That Apple Will Divide the Iphone 18 Series Into Two Different Launch Periods

It is claimed that Apple will divide the iPhone 18 series into two different launch periods. The new calendar reshapes the product strategy and also changes the release date of the base model. It is claimed that Apple is preparing to change the traditional launch schedule that it has maintained for many years with the iPhone 18 series.

According to the latest claims circulating in the industry, the company will introduce only the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the new foldable iPhone Ultra model at the event in September 2026. The standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2 will be postponed to the spring for the first time. It is considered that this plan, which has not yet been confirmed by Apple, aims to manage the ever-expanding iPhone product family in a more balanced way. Apple's two-phase iPhone launch strategy is taking shape Apple's smartphone portfolio has grown significantly in recent years.

While the company offered only three models during the iPhone 11 period, this number increased to four with the addition of the iPhone 12 mini in 2020. In later years, the mini model was replaced by the iPhone 14 Plus, and then the iPhone Air was added to the product range. While the number of annual models reached five with the introduction of the iPhone 16e, it is said that a total of six different models will be included in the same generation with the addition of the allegedly foldable iPhone Ultra. Introducing such an expanded product range at a single event can create distraction on both the marketing and consumer side.

Especially the fact that devices that appeal to different price segments go on sale at the same time may cause some models to be overshadowed by others. It is thought that the new calendar that Apple is allegedly working on aims to give more visibility to each model group. According to leaks, the iPhone 18 family will consist of six models in total.

This series is expected to include iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18e, iPhone Air 2 and iPhone Ultra. However, not all of these models will be introduced at the same time. If the claims are true, Apple will move to a two-phase launch schedule focusing on flagship devices in the fall and more accessible models in the spring.

According to this plan, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone Ultra will meet with users in the fall of 2026. Approximately six months later, in the spring of 2027, the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2 are expected to be released. Thus, it may be possible for Apple to both simplify its marketing strategy and spread the sales cycle throughout the year by focusing on a more limited number of models in each launch period.