Apple's 2026 iPhone Shake-Up: Foldable & Pro to Launch First!

For years, Apple has accustomed iPhone fans to a practically unchanging release schedule. The brand’s customers know when they can expect the arrival of new iPhone models and decide accordingly. However, it seems things could change radically starting next year.

A recent report claims that Apple will opt for a new launch cycle for the 2026 iPhone 18 series, delaying the arrival of the vanilla model by months.Apple could launch iPhone 18 series in stages: events in 2026 and 2027According to The Information, Apple will launch the iPhone 18 Pro models on the usual timeframe. That is, the company will make the official announcement in fall 2026.



However, the vanilla iPhone 18 is expected to wait until spring 2027. The reason for the change could be the arrival of the first foldable iPhone in 2026. The Cupertino giant would use its fall event to unveil the brand-new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, along with a potential iPhone 18 Air and the long-awaited first foldable iPhone.

Months later, in the spring of 2027, we would officially meet the vanilla iPhone 18. Apple could announce it alongside a new “iPhone e” model, which could be the iPhone 18e. Basically, Apple could start holding two events: one for the more premium iPhones (“Pro” and foldable models) and another for the “affordable” variants.

Speaking of affordable iPhones, they will undergo manufacturing tests in India starting in 2026. This would be another step in Apple’s quest to reduce its dependence on Chinese factories, thus diversifying its supply chain and addressing the impact of Trump’s tariffs.The report indicates that the new staggered launch strategy could also help the company reduce its costs.

The Information suggests that by spacing out launches, Apple could reduce the number of manufacturing workers it needs to employ for each event.Notch could become a simple punch-hole; foldable iPhone to be compactBut the news doesn’t stop at the calendar. The 2026 iPhones could bring some striking technologies.

One of the most rumored features is the under-display Face ID. This doesn’t mean that Apple will hide the entire system under the screen, but rather the hardware needed for Face ID. The move will help reduce the size of the notch on the screen, which could become a simple punch-hole instead of a pill.

This punch hole could integrate the front camera sensor.Regarding the foldable iPhone, rumors point to a book-style design. However, Apple is reportedly opting for a compact, somewhat more square form factor when folded.

Its external display could be “only” 5.7 inches, while its internal display could reach 8 inches when unfolded.In short, 2026 could be a year of major changes for Apple’s iPhones.

A new release schedule, the possible arrival of its first foldable device, and a much less intrusive notch could cause a stir among the brand’s fans.The post Apple's 2026 iPhone Shake-Up: Foldable & Pro to Launch First! appeared first on Android Headlines..