Apple is shaking up its iPhone release cycle, and the change will leave fans waiting longer for the most affordable option. 
According to a new report, there will be no base model iPhone 18 launching in 2026. Instead, Apple plans to delay it until early 2027.
Initially, rumors suggested that the iPhone 18 would arrive just months after the iPhone 17, debuting alongside Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series in early 2026. That’s not happening. Instead, Apple will roll out the iPhone 18 Air, Pro, and Pro Max models in September 2026, followed by the foldable iPhone that same season. The foldable device is expected to be positioned above the Pro Max tier as Apple’s next premium flagship.
The strategy appears designed to push more customers toward the higher-end iPhones. With the base model missing at launch, many buyers who don’t want to wait until 2027 may opt for a pricier Pro version instead. Meanwhile, the budget-friendly line continues on its own schedule, with the iPhone 17e expected to arrive at the usual time next year.
Apple’s biggest rival, Samsung, isn’t altering its release rhythm. The Galaxy S26 family is set to launch in early 2026, followed later by the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Z Fold 8 models. This contrast could make the battle between Apple and Samsung even more interesting over the next two years.