Apple to skip iPhone 18 in 2026, what could it launch in its place
Apple is expected not to launch the iPhone 18 in 2026. While it may come as a surprise to Apple fans, the Cupertino giant has a plan. Here’s what could happen at Apple’s next iPhone launch event in the fall of 2026.
Every year in September, all eyes in the tech world are focused on Apple for the launch of the latest iPhone. 2025 was no different as the Cupertino giant not only launched the iPhone 17 series but also announced the addition of the iPhone Air. Now, according to reports, Apple is planning to add another twist to the iPhone release next year, reportedly by removing the vanilla iPhone 18 from the expected launch in fall 2026.
Now, this may be a concern especially for Apple fans who always want to upgrade to the latest iPhone. But it appears that the Cupertino giant has a plan. Here’s what Apple might launch next year after skipping the iPhone 18.
What can Apple launch instead of iPhone 18?
While Apple is reportedly planning to skip the iPhone 18 for 2026, the company still has a big launch planned for a fall event. According to reports, the Cupertino giant is expected to launch the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the first iPhone Fold in September 2026.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
The iPhone 18 Pro models will come with some notable upgrades compared to the iPhone 17 series. Apple is rumored to abandon Dynamic Islands in favor of a punch-hole selfie camera and under-display sensor for Face ID for a more seamless viewing experience.
On the back, Apple is expected to adopt a more unified single-tone design on the back to replace the two-tone look on the iPhone 17 Pro models.
Under the hood, you can expect the yet-to-be-announced A20 Pro chipset to power the iPhone 18 Pro models, which could bring notable performance upgrades. Both devices are also expected to come with larger batteries, which may make them heavier than their predecessors.
On the camera front, the iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to get variable aperture for the main camera, allowing users to manually adjust the depth of field.
iPhone Fold
Apple is reportedly ready to finally enter the foldable smartphone market with the iPhone Fold. According to rumors, the device will have a wide form factor similar to the original Pixel Fold. It is being said that the foldable iPhone will come with a 5.25-inch cover display and 7.6-inch inner display. Both screens are said to be AMOLED panels.
The iPhone Fold will likely come with a total of four cameras, including two selfie shooters for each display. The device is expected to be powered by the same A20 Pro chipset as the iPhone 18 Pro models.
According to reports, the device will be quite thin, with earlier reports saying it would look similar to two iPhone Airs put together.
The iPhone Fold price in the US is expected to be around $2,400 (approximately Rs 2,15,000).
But what about the iPhone 18?
Although Apple probably won’t launch an iPhone 18 next year, you don’t have to lose hope completely. The Cupertino giant is expected to launch the device alongside the iPhone 18e and iPhone Air in early 2027. This is part of Apple’s rumored change to its two-part launch strategy for iPhones, allowing for better model distribution.
