If you thought Apple’s iPhone releases followed a strict schedule, think again. In 2026, the company is breaking tradition. There will be no standard iPhone 18 at launch. Instead, the lineup will feature the iPhone Air, Pro, Pro Max, and Apple’s first-ever foldable phone.
According to reports from Korea’s ETNews, the role of the “budget” option will go to the iPhone 17e, expected to launch in spring 2026. The actual iPhone 18 won’t arrive until 2027, debuting alongside the iPhone 18e.
Why this unusual shift? Apple seems to be aiming for two things:
- Driving sales of the higher-end Pro models.
- Extending consumer interest in the iPhone across the first half of the year.
The problem is that for the average buyer, this lineup could become confusing. Air instead of Plus, an “e” edition instead of the standard base model, and a sudden foldable thrown into the mix. In 2026, choosing an iPhone may feel less like buying a smartphone and more like solving a Japanese crossword puzzle.
