Have you ever waited for the new iPhone to come out every fall? For years, Apple has dropped all its new iPhones at the same time, usually in September or October. But things are about to change. A recent report says Apple wants to split up its iPhone releases starting in 2026. This means you might see new iPhones twice a year instead of just once.
Apple usually launches four iPhone models together every fall. But starting in 2026, they plan to release the more expensive Pro models first, in the fall. Then, the standard models will come out in the spring of 2027. This change might happen because Apple is working on a bigger lineup. They could have six different iPhones instead of four, including a brand-new foldable iPhone that can bend in half. Splitting the releases helps Apple manage making so many phones at once.
Imagine a phone that folds like a book. That’s what Apple might be bringing in 2026. The fall release could include the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and this new foldable iPhone. Rumors suggest this foldable iPhone in 2026 could cost around $2,300, which is a lot more than a regular iPhone. Then, in spring 2027, you might see the iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Slim, and iPhone 18e. Apple has already started mixing up its schedule a bit. For example, they released the iPhone 16e in February 2025, which was different from their usual fall launches. This new plan just takes it a step further.
How This Affects You
Think about how you usually pick a new phone. If you like the Pro models with their fancy cameras and features, you’ll still get them in the fall. But if you prefer the simpler, less expensive iPhones, you’ll need to wait until spring. This could be great because it gives you more time to save up or decide which phone you want. On the other hand, some people might not like waiting longer for the standard models. It could also change the excitement around iPhone launches since they won’t all happen at once anymore.
Apple isn’t just changing when iPhones come out. They’re also working on new looks for their phones. For example, there’s talk about the iPhone 17 Air having a Pixel-inspired design, with a camera bar that stretches across the back. Another model, the iPhone 17 Slim, is also making waves with rumors about its super thin design. You can read more about the iPhone 17 Slim design rumors to get a sense of what’s coming. These changes might make the new iPhones look very different from what we’re used to.
Where IPhones Are Made
Apple is also changing where it makes its iPhones. Right now, most of them are built in China. But Apple wants to move some of that work to India. The less expensive iPhone models, like the ones coming out in spring, will start being made in India. This helps Apple save money and avoid problems like extra taxes on products made in China. Plus, it means Apple won’t depend on just one country to make all its phones, which is safer for their business.
For now, things will stay the same with the iPhone 17, which is expected to launch in September 2025 with four new models. But starting in 2026, you’ll need to keep an eye out twice a year for new iPhones. Whether you’re excited about a foldable phone or just want a regular one, this new schedule might give you more options to choose from. It’s a big change, but it could make things more interesting for iPhone fans like you.
