Apple delays iPhone 18 and 18 Air launch to early 2027
Updated
Updated · Forbes · May 9
Apple delays iPhone 18 and 18 Air launch to early 2027
11 articles · Updated · Forbes · May 9
Apple is still expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and foldable iPhone Ultra at its usual September event, with the standard models shifted to a likely March-April 2027 window.
The move is aimed at extending the strong sales run of the iPhone 17, which Counterpoint Research said was the world's best-selling smartphone in the first quarter of 2026.
A spring launch would place Apple's mainstream iPhones closer to Barcelona's Mobile World Congress, potentially squeezing Android rivals' publicity and making direct comparisons with newly launched competing devices more immediate.
As the foldable iPhone debuts at $2,500, is Apple creating a new luxury tech tier for everyone else?
Will Apple's split iPhone launch conquer Android's turf or just confuse its own customers?
With a new CEO and AI focus, is this shakeup Apple's first big move beyond the smartphone?
Apple Breaks Tradition: iPhone 18 Pro & Foldable Arrive Fall 2026, Standard Models Pushed to 2027
Overview
Apple is changing its iPhone launch strategy by splitting the release of the iPhone 18 series. Instead of launching all models together in Fall 2026, only the premium iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and the first foldable iPhone will debut at that time. The standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 will be delayed until Spring 2027. This approach lets Apple focus on high-end, innovative products for the holiday season while giving more time to prepare the mainstream models. The new strategy aims to manage production challenges and maximize excitement and sales throughout the year.