In a surprising move, Apple is reportedly planning to shake up its release schedule, potentially launching the base iPhone 18 model alongside Samsung’s Galaxy S26. According to new reports from German wireless carriers, Apple is considering a split in its iPhone release timeline. Under this plan, the regular iPhone models would arrive in the spring, while the Pro variants would follow in the fall. With Apple discontinuing the Plus models, it’s speculated that the new Air models may debut alongside the base iPhone in the spring, or the iPhone 18e (possibly called the Air) could take that slot, leaving the Pro versions for the autumn.
One major twist is that the iPhone 18 and its lower-tier model could launch just six months after the iPhone 17 series.
This shortened interval might be a risky move for Apple, potentially affecting sales of the iPhone 17 base models, as some users may feel their investment is quickly overshadowed by the newer devices.
While the exact reasoning behind Apple’s potential new release schedule remains unclear, some analysts speculate that the company could be attempting to steal some of the spotlight from Samsung’s flagship launches. However, this strategy might not have the intended effect, as iPhone fans are likely to remain loyal to their brand regardless of Samsung’s releases.
Additionally, next year could see the long-anticipated launch of Apple’s foldable iPhone. If the reports are true, the foldable iPhone may be released alongside the iPhone 18 Pro rather than alongside Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8. This would align with Apple’s broader marketing strategy for foldable devices.
Ultimately, if Apple sticks with this new schedule, fans could find themselves with two major iPhone releases to look forward to each year. This strategy might even boost Apple’s sales, especially if loyal customers buy the base model in the spring and then upgrade to the Pro model in the fall, effectively doubling the number of purchases from certain demographics.