Українська правда

Apple will skip the release of a regular iPhone for the first time in 2026

- 18 August, 11:17 AM

According to Korean publication ET News, Apple will change its traditional iPhone launch schedule in 2026 and for the first time will not release a base model. The reason will be the appearance of a new foldable smartphone, which will debut in the fall along with the premium iPhone 18 Air, 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max.

In the first half of 2026, the company will introduce only the budget iPhone 17e, and the "basic" iPhone 18 will appear in 2027. In the future, Apple plans to switch to a two-stage annual cycle: in the spring, release budget and basic models, and in the fall, flagships and folding versions.

The changes are related to the slowdown in demand for smartphones - the manufacturer wants to maintain customer interest throughout the year, not just during the fall announcements.

This year, Apple will also ditch the Plus model, replacing it with a thinner Air version. In addition, the company has brought back an affordable model, the iPhone 16e, and synchronized its numbering with the main line.