What’s Inside
A new report suggests Apple may break its long-running pattern of releasing a base iPhone every year and instead shift its 2026 strategy toward premium devices — including a rumored foldable iPhone — while postponing an iPhone 18 launch until later. The scoop, reported by Korean outlet ET News and summarized by Beebom, points to a staggered launch plan where an “iPhone 17e” or similar budget model could arrive in early 2026, followed by premium models in the latter half.
Why Apple might do this
Shipments across the smartphone industry have softened, and Apple may be experimenting with cadence and positioning to keep headlines and consumer interest steady throughout the year. Shifting the lineup would allow the company to spotlight high-margin models — iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max and the much-rumored foldable — during the traditionally lucrative holiday season. But this approach also risks confusing buyers if too many models overlap.
What the rumored calendar looks like
Under the scenario outlined in the report: a lower-cost “iPhone 17e” could ship in the first half of 2026, premium iPhone 18 series (and the foldable) could follow in the second half, and the traditional base iPhone 18 might be reintroduced in 2027 alongside an “18e” to restore the prior cadence. That would effectively create up to six iPhone announcements across two years — a notable acceleration of Apple’s product rhythm.
How this affects buyers and developers
Consumers hunting for a bargain may want to wait for the early-2026 “e” model, while power users who value the latest hardware might eye the premium second-half lineup. Developers and accessory makers should watch timing closely: more variants and staggered rollouts can complicate optimization, testing, and inventory planning. Apple’s partners and carriers will likewise need to adapt distribution plans if the rumor proves correct.
Risks and caveats
Apple has launched a base model each year since the original iPhone in 2007, so changing that rhythm is significant. There’s also a risk of market saturation or buyer confusion if too many models appear close together. Rumors are not official product roadmaps — until Apple confirms event dates and model names, treat this as a plausible scenario, not a fact.
The iPhone 18 skip rumor signals Apple may be testing a new release playbook to manage slowing shipments and spotlight premium hardware — including foldables. If you’re planning an upgrade, consider timing: an early “e” model could be a budget-friendly option, while premium fans might prefer to wait for the second-half announcements.
