hello. This is Technologytodaynow. There is news that the iPhone release cycle may change starting with the iPhone 18 series, which is expected to be released next year, so we will look into it in detail.
iPhone 18 Series May Change Release Cycle
From the release of the first iPhone in 2007 to the unveiling of the iPhone 4 in 2010, Apple’s events and launches took place in June, not September as they do now. However, after the iPhone 4S was unveiled in October 2011, iPhones have traditionally been announced and released in September, except for the iPhone 12 series, which was released in October due to exceptional circumstances. Unless Apple is launching a separate lineup like the iPhone 16e, all iPhones are typically announced and released simultaneously. However, there are now rumors that this traditional iPhone release cycle might change.
Apple Considers Changing iPhone 18 Series Release Cycle
According to a report by McRumors, the iPhone’s launch schedule could face a major change. Apple could change the launch cycle of its flagship iPhone starting in 2026, according to the report. The iPhone, which will be released in 2026, is the iPhone 18 series. If the launch cycle continues as it is now, all four models – the iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max – will be released simultaneously in September 2026.
Why Apple Is Trying To Change iPhone’s Release Cycle
However, from the iPhone 18 series, only the iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be released in September, and the iPhone 18 basic model may be released in the spring of 2027. If that happens, the iPhone 18 basic model and the iPhone 18e could be released at the same time. The reason for launching the expensive model first seems to be to induce consumers who were planning to purchase the basic model to change their purchase to the Pro or Air model because marketing is focused on the expensive model while releasing the expensive model first.
And it may be easier for Apple to manage because it has enough time to launch. However, on the other hand, it may be that the gap between the base model and the pro model has narrowed due to changes in the existing schedule to induce purchases of expensive models.
Finalize
Considering the current iPhone’s specifications, you don’t need to buy a pro model, but the 120Hz promo display is the factor that makes you choose the pro model. However, as the basic model is also equipped with a 120Hz display, I think the release schedule may be changed to prevent existing pro users from moving to the basic model.
Anyway, it’s not that sweet news because those who wanted to buy the iPhone 18 series have to wait a longer time. However, we have to wait and see what happens because it’s not confirmed and it’s in the discussion stage.