For the first time in 15 years, the standard iPhone won't launch in the fall.

(Dan Tri) - According to ETNews, Apple will delay the launch of the standard iPhone 18 model until spring 2027, instead of releasing it in the fourth quarter of 2026 as usual every year.

This source said that Apple has sent a notice to some partners in the supply chain that the iPhone 18 is not in the iPhone product line that the company is expected to announce in September 2026.

iPhone 18 Pro render (Photo: PhoneArena).

Instead, the company will only launch the high-end versions of the new generation of iPhones, including the iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The two standard iPhone 18 models and iPhone 18e will be delayed until March 2027.

The move marks a major shift in the company’s product release cycle, with the new release schedule leaving consumers with only the high-end option when purchasing a new iPhone in 2026.

The change is believed to be tied to Apple's introduction of its first-generation foldable ‌iPhone‌, which is expected to become Apple's top-of-the-line device in the second half of 2026, alongside the ‌iPhone 18‌ Air, ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro, and ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro Max.

Since the iPhone 4s launched in 2011, Apple has introduced new phones in the fall. This also marks the first time that the base iPhone of a generation has not been released at the same time as the higher-end versions.

The standard version of iPhone 18 is expected to launch in March 2027 (Photo: PhoneArena).

It can be seen that Apple's new release strategy will divide the ‌iPhone‌ launch cycle into two separate phases. High-end devices will be announced in the second half of the year. Meanwhile, low-cost and mid-range models will be launched early next year.

The change will help Apple optimize its manufacturing processes and marketing efforts, The Information reports. The move will also help Apple better compete with rivals, as many Android smartphone makers typically launch their flagship products in the spring.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/cong-nghe/lan-dau-tien-trong-15-nam-iphone-ban-tieu-chuan-khong-ra-mat-vao-mua-thu-20250819002604549.htm