Apple shifts iPhone 18 lineup to premium devices in fall

A new report claims Apple will skip the base iPhone 18 in the fall lineup and introduce it in spring 2027.

Apple moves iPhone 18 lineup to premium devices in fall

The iPhone 17 is approaching its own launch window as rumors about the iPhone 18 lineup grow louder. A new report says Apple will offer four premium models in fall 2026 — iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone 18 Fold — while the base iPhone 18 is saved for spring 2027.

Base model delayed, not canceled. If true, the fall lineup would lean toward premium devices and keep a spring entry for the traditional entry point. Suppliers have reportedly been told to plan around the shift.

This move signals Apple testing a stronger premium tier in a big market before the holiday season. It could boost margins and keep upgrades within a higher price band. But the plan risks alienating shoppers who want an affordable entry point and could invite a backlash from fans who expect a consistent product line.

A spring arrival for the base model also changes the rhythm of iPhone cycles. It may extend the upgrade cycle for current users and shift attention to services and ecosystems. The real test will be whether customers accept a delayed entry point and how suppliers handle the shifting schedule alongside the iPhone 17 launch.

Highlights

The iPhone cycle may be changing, and readers will watch closely to see how it lands with everyday users.