Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Apple May Split iPhone 18 Launch Between 2026, 2027
Apple may release its next iPhones in two separate groups.
The more expensive iPhone 18 Pro models could arrive in September 2026.
Apple may also show its first foldable iPhone at that event.
The foldable phone could become a small phone when closed and a larger tablet-like device when opened.
It might cost between $2,000 and $2,500.
The regular iPhone 18 may not arrive until spring 2027.
The iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2 could arrive at the same time.
The Pro phones may become more expensive because memory parts are in short supply.
Apple has not confirmed this launch plan.
Apple reportedly plans to launch the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and first foldable iPhone in September 2026.
The rumored foldable iPhone Ultra could open to 7.8 inches, use Touch ID and cost $2,000 to $2,500.
The standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2 are expected to arrive in spring 2027.
Pro models may receive a smaller Dynamic Island, an A20 chip and variable-aperture cameras.
Analysts expect Pro pricing to rise by $100 to $300 because of memory supply shortages and higher component costs.
- Who
- Apple is reportedly preparing the iPhone 18 lineup.
- What
- Apple may split the iPhone 18 releases, launching higher-end models first and standard models later.
- When
- The Pro models and foldable iPhone are expected in September 2026; the standard models are expected in spring 2027.
- Where
- The articles do not specify a location for the reported September 2026 event.
Reported Launch Plan
Unconfirmed Outlook
Release schedule
Reported Launch Plan
Reports indicate that Apple will launch the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and foldable iPhone in September 2026, followed by standard models in spring 2027.
Unconfirmed Outlook
Apple has not confirmed the schedule or whether the split-launch strategy will continue beyond 2027.
Foldable iPhone features
Reported Launch Plan
The rumored iPhone Ultra could include a 5.5-inch folded display, a 7.8-inch unfolded display, Touch ID, multitasking features and two cameras.
Unconfirmed Outlook
These features, the name iPhone Ultra and the reported $2,000-to-$2,500 price remain unconfirmed.
Pro model pricing
Reported Launch Plan
Analysts expect the Pro models to become $100 to $300 more expensive because of rising DRAM costs and memory shortages.
Unconfirmed Outlook
Apple has reportedly negotiated component discounts, including on displays, so the final pricing is not certain.
- First reported launch
- iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and Apple’s first foldable iPhone are expected in September 2026.
- Later launch
- The standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2 are expected in spring 2027.
- Foldable size
- The rumored foldable iPhone could measure about 5.5 inches closed and 7.8 inches open.
- Foldable price
- Rumors place the foldable iPhone between $2,000 and $2,500.
- Possible chip
- The iPhone 18 Pro models and standard iPhone 18 could use Apple’s A20 chip, reportedly built on a 2nm process.
- Expected price increase
- Analysts expect the Pro models to cost $100 to $300 more.
- Apple’s confirmation
- Apple has not confirmed whether the split-launch strategy will continue beyond 2027.