Apple increasingly likely to skip iPhone 18 release in 2026

Apple appears increasingly certain in its move to alter its device release schedule starting this year, with plans not to release the iPhone 18 in 2026. The smartphone may instead be released in the spring of 2027, leaving only the iPhone 18 Pro and Apple’s first foldable iPhone for the 2026 lineup. This is supported by recent comments from the supply chain.

According to Macrumors, these comments originated from a source within Largan Precision, an Apple camera lens supplier. During an annual shareholders’ meeting, Largan Precision CEO Lin En-ping stated that a major US customer is delaying the launch of new models until the first quarter of 2027. Consequently, component procurement schedules must be shifted from previously established timelines, and factory utilisation is expected to increase in the fourth quarter of 2026.

It is highly likely that the standard model will not be released alongside its high-end counterparts, the iPhone 18 Pro and the upcoming foldable iPhone. While comments from Apple suppliers rarely provide public details regarding future product launches, they are noteworthy as they may signal upcoming strategic changes by Apple.

Referring to existing reports, Apple has prepared a new strategy to divide upcoming iPhone launches into two periods. Premium models will continue to be launched every September, while more affordable models will follow the following spring. This phased approach is expected to help Apple manage manufacturing resources more efficiently as its product lineup expands to six devices instead of five, while also helping to maintain sales momentum throughout the year.

If implemented, this would mark the first deliberate separation of Apple’s flagship iPhone launches since the company established its annual autumn release pattern with the iPhone 4S in 2011. The iPhone 18 model is expected to feature no design changes, with Apple maintaining the same 6.3-inch screen size for the iPhone 18 and 6.1 inches for the iPhone 18e.