Apple To Change IPhone Release Schedule Due To Foldable Smartphone

Apple plans to revise its traditional iPhone release schedule to make room for its first foldable smartphone. The company will introduce the iPhone 18 Pro in 2026 and a new Air line in the fall, while the base iPhone 18 will be delayed until spring 2027 and will be released along with an updated version of the iPhone 16E.

According to The Verge , the move comes as the lineup expands to six models, including a thin Air and a foldable iPhone. The latter is expected to have a book-style form factor (rather than a clamshell) with a 5.7-inch screen when folded and nearly 8 inches when unfolded. Well-known supply chain insider Ming-Chi Kuo previously said the device would be 4.5–4.8 mm thick when unfolded and would retain Face ID instead of Touch ID.

In addition, it is reported that the iPhone 17 Air will receive a special battery case. Due to the fact that Apple’s internal tests allegedly showed that the battery life of this model will be lower than that of previous iPhones, this case should compensate for the reduced battery capacity.

Another innovation in the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will be Face ID, located under the screen. This will reduce the “bangs” to a small hole in the upper left corner for the front camera. Thus, Apple will continue to move towards a maximally frameless design.

The company has not officially commented on these plans yet, but if the information is confirmed, 2026 could be one of the most significant years in the history of the iPhone.

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