For the first time in years, Apple might break its sacred September cycle. According to credible leaks, there’s a chance the standard iPhone 18 won’t show up in 2026. Why? Because Apple’s playing a longer game — and the iPhone might not be at the center of it anymore.
Big plans, crowded calendar
If you think Apple’s been playing it safe lately, think again. Word is, they’re gearing up to drop not just the iPhone 18 Pro, but a slimmer “Air” version and their long-rumored foldable phone — all in one launch window. That’s a packed lineup. And something had to give. Turns out, it might be the regular iPhone 18.
Instead of the usual September reveal, that model could be pushed to spring 2027. That’s right — a delay of more than six months. For Apple, this isn’t just about hardware. It’s about pacing. Staggering releases could help them spread out the hype (and the revenue), especially if they’re juggling multiple new form factors and technologies.
The foldable is (probably) real
The star of this reshuffle? A foldable iPhone. Sources claim it’s a book-style device with an external 5.7-inch screen and an 8-inch main display when opened. Face ID might be included. Thickness when unfolded? Somewhere around 4.5 to 4.8mm — impressively slim, if true.
Apple’s been testing foldables behind closed doors for years, but this is the first time timelines are being whispered with some conviction. And with competitors like Samsung and Google years deep into foldables, Apple’s late entry will need to land hard to matter.
Thinner, pricier, and more segmented
Alongside the foldable, Apple’s also rumored to drop a much thinner iPhone as part of the iPhone 17 series. Internally called D23, this device could use the next-gen A19 chip and might even cost more than the Pro Max. Yes, more. Because apparently, there’s always room above the top tier.
Also on the chopping block? The iPhone Plus. Not a shocker — it never really found its footing. In its place, Apple may reboot the iPhone SE line with a new budget model next spring, trying to cover the lower end while shifting focus to high-margin, premium hardware.
This isn’t just about phones
Apple’s not doing this randomly. Smartphone sales are maturing, and competition is tighter than ever. By spacing out releases and throwing new designs into the mix, Apple’s buying itself time, headlines, and breathing room for factories already stretched thin.
So, if you’re waiting for the iPhone 18 — you might be waiting longer than expected. But in return, 2026 could be the year Apple finally breaks the iPhone mold, literally and figuratively.
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