Apple to Split iPhone Launches Across Fall and Spring in Major Shakeup [Report]

Apple is planning a significant overhaul of its longstanding iPhone release strategy starting next year, according to a new report today from The Information. The company reportedly intends to split the launch of its annual iPhone lineup between the fall and the following spring.

Beginning with the iPhone 18 generation expected in 2026, Apple plans to continue releasing its premium Pro models during its traditional fall window. However, the launch of the standard, more affordable iPhone 18 model would be delayed until the spring of 2027, according to three people involved in the supply chain.

Also slated for that Spring 2027 release window is a successor to the budget-friendly iPhone 16e model (the device that replaced the iPhone SE line earlier this year). The report notes that manufacturing trials for both the standard iPhone 18 and the next 16e model are planned to occur first in India.


This new release timing could make things easier for Apple and its manufacturing partners. Spreading out the launches might mean they don't have to deal with the same intense rush to get production lines and workers ready for multiple new phones all hitting at the same time in the fall. Currently, production builds through summer, peaks before winter holidays, and slows significantly in January.

Delaying the standard model launch by roughly five or six months could also potentially boost sales of the higher-margin Pro devices released earlier in the fall. Horace Dediu, founder at Asymco, noted that "Front-loading the more premium models early and releasing the lower-end models later might get early adopters to buy the more expensive models first." While Apple does occasionally release its cheapest iPhone model in the spring, shifting the launch of the standard model represents a major departure from its usual cadence.

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