According to a new leak from Jon Prosser, Apple plans to release only three iPhones that year, breaking from its recent strategy of offering something for nearly every price tier.
If accurate, the 2026 lineup would consist of the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the all-new iPhone Fold. Notably missing are the standard iPhone 18 and the iPhone Air 2.
No Base iPhone 18 This Time
The most surprising omission is the base iPhone 18. Apple has traditionally anchored its lineup with a standard model, even as prices have crept upward. Dropping it entirely would be a major shift.
One possible explanation is that Apple plans to keep the iPhone 17 around longer as its entry-level option. That would explain why the iPhone 17 reportedly received more substantial upgrades compared to previous base models. Apple may be positioning it as a longer-term value phone rather than refreshing the low end every year.
Interestingly, this claim also lines up with an earlier report by The Information which outlined how Apple is preparing eight new iPhones for the next two years. The iPhone 18 and 18e have been tipped for a Spring 2027 release.
The iPhone Air 2 Quietly Disappears
The absence of the iPhone Air 2 is less shocking. The first iPhone Air reportedly struggled to gain traction, and Apple has never been afraid to cut products that fail to resonate.
Rather than iterating on a mid-tier experiment, Apple may be simplifying its lineup and refocusing on higher-margin devices.
A More Premium Lineup Overall
If Apple releases only three iPhones in 2026, all signs point to a more premium-focused strategy. Two Pro models and a foldable device leave little room for budget-conscious buyers looking for something new.
Related: Apple Is Quietly Preparing Eight New iPhones, and the Next Two Years Look Exciting
This could signal that Apple is becoming more comfortable relying on older models to cover lower price points, while using new releases to push technology forward and maximize revenue.
It also aligns with Apple’s broader product strategy across Macs and iPads, where older devices often remain on sale long after newer ones arrive.
Why This Strategy Might Actually Work
While fewer choices may sound limiting, it could simplify Apple’s messaging and reduce internal complexity. A tighter lineup allows Apple to focus software optimization, supply chains, and marketing efforts on fewer devices.
For consumers, it may also make upgrade decisions clearer. Instead of choosing between five similar phones, buyers would be deciding between Pro, Pro Max, or Fold.
Of course, this approach risks alienating users who want a modern iPhone without a premium price tag. Apple is betting that its existing models can fill that gap.
A Turning Point for the iPhone Lineup
If this leak holds true, 2026 could mark one of the biggest structural changes to the iPhone lineup in years. Fewer devices, higher prices, and a bold new form factor suggest Apple is entering a new phase of the iPhone era.
Whether users embrace that shift will likely depend on how compelling the iPhone Fold turns out to be, and how long Apple keeps older models relevant.
Either way, the days of predictable iPhone lineups may be coming to an end.
