Apple may launch iPhone base and Pro models separately from 2026

Apple may be changing their release schedule next year by splitting the launch of their flagship phones. Reports by 9to5Mac and The Information reveal that the move is to push iPhone sales as they are stagnating. 

The cheaper budget iPhone models will be launched in the first half of the year while the Pro models will arrive later in the fall. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has said that next year Apple will be releasing the iPhone 17e probably around March or April. 

Then, in the latter half, Apple will release the advanced versions: iPhone 18 range including the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Slim and a foldable model. 

Meanwhile, Kuo predicts the iPhone 18 basic model to be launched in the first-half of 2027 along with iPhone 18e. 

This could be the first time Apple won’t launch all of its models at the same time. 

The schedule for this year will remain unchanged with the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Slim coming out probably in September. 

Kuo added that the hardware maker is primarily trying to tackle an intense competitive environment in China by shifting launch dates closer to rivals. This is also the reason why Apple is making more models of iPhone like the upcoming foldable model. Additionally, spreading out the releases also means users will have time to focus on the different models and not overshadowed by just the Pro versions.