If you thought the iPhone 18 was a simple “see you next fall” situation… think again.
A new report is once again pointing toward something Apple almost never does: splitting the iPhone launch schedule in half. And if it happens, the regular iPhone 18 may not show up until spring 2027.
Yes, really.
iPhone 18 series will launch in two waves
For months now, sources like Ming-Chi Kuo, Bloomberg, and The Information have suggested Apple is planning a staggered release strategy for the iPhone 18 family.
A new report from Nikkei Asia backs that up, saying Apple has multiple models lined up, but they will not all arrive at once.
The expectation looks like this:
- Fall 2026: iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the long-rumored iPhone Fold
- Spring 2027: the standard iPhone 18
- iPhone Air: still unclear, but not expected soon
So if you’re the type who waits for the regular model instead of the Pro… you might be waiting a lot longer than usual.
Why would Apple delay the base iPhone 18?
This is not just Apple being dramatic for fun.
According to Nikkei, one major reason is supply chain pressure, especially around memory components. The industry is still dealing with shortages, and Apple wants to avoid launching everything at the same time if it strains production.
Splitting the lineup could help Apple:
- Manage supply more smoothly
- Avoid launch-day shortages
- Spread demand across more months
It also gives Apple a marketing bonus: instead of one giant iPhone season, it gets two.
Related: iPhone Fold Details Leak Alongside iPhone 18 Pro Specs and Apple’s 2026 Plans
Apple is meeting suppliers earlier than usual
The report also mentions Apple is preparing for its regular supplier meeting at Apple Park, but this time it is expanding the invite list.
More component makers, more materials suppliers, and a bigger push to lock down the pipeline for the year ahead.
That alone suggests Apple is taking the next iPhone cycle very seriously, especially with new form factors like the iPhone Fold entering the picture.
What this means for iPhone buyers
If this timeline holds, the iPhone release rhythm we’ve known for over a decade could start changing fast.
Instead of:
- Pro models and base models together every September…
We may be moving toward:
- Pro models in the fall
- Base models in the spring
- Foldables as the new headline act
Honestly, it feels like Apple is trying to make the iPhone launch feel fresh again, even if it means stretching the schedule.
And if the iPhone Fold really lands in 2026, that alone could steal the spotlight from the standard iPhone 18.
Apple hasn’t confirmed anything yet, of course. But the fact that multiple major reports keep saying the same thing makes this delay feel increasingly real.
Spring iPhones might be the new normal.
