In a stunning step, which can change the iPhone launch tradition, Apple allegedly plans to divide the onset of its iPhone 18 series in two different events, away from its long-running schedule to unveil all models at a time. If the inner sources of the industry can be believed, the company is preparing only to launch its top-end model-which includes the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a new iPhone 18 slim (possibly air) at the end of-2026. Standard iPhone 18 and a more inexpensive iPhone 18E cannot come up to the beginning of 2027.

The change is exposed by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and information, suggesting that Apple wants to better align its release over time of Android Flagship. If all go as a rumor, Apple may conduct two major iPhone events within a six-month window-launching at the end of 2026 for your high-end model and the first-half for its more budget-friendly options for your high-end model.

iPhone 18 Series Launch Timeline Leakes: 5 iPhones are coming

-2H25: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone 17 Slim (Air)
–126: iPhone 17E
-2H26: First Foldable iPhone, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Slim
–127: iPhone 18, iPhone 18e
-2H27: Foldable 2, iPhone 19 Pro Series, iPhone 19 Slim with a large display

Why is Apple doing this? Is this its latest strategy to compete with Android flagship?

This unconventional step can be part of Apple’s large strategy, traditionally dominating the market in the first quarter of the year to take Android Heaveights. By increasing its iPhone launch cycle in two parts of the year, one can aim to combat marketing speeds of brands such as Apple Samsung, OnePlus, Vivo, which roll out flagship devices between December and January.

The reported decision may help Apple to be in the headlines for a long period. Typically, once the annual iPhone event ends in September, Android players quickly take the headlines with their new release. For example, Vivo’s X series and IQO Flagships come in December, followed by OnePlus and Samsung in January after this. Google, who waited until Apple’s iPhone launch, unveiled his Pixel 9 series a month before the introduction of the iPhone 16 series – a step that indicated in the growing competition for premium users.

Another major cause of this change may be Apple’s attempt to separate its ultra-pramium and mainstream offerings more clearly. By launching your most expensive phone – with a potential foldable iPhone – in the end of 2026 and by 2027, apple can try to make a more tier branding strategy, apple a more tier branding strategy. The devices costing more than Rs 1 lakh may dominate the stage in the year end events, while cheap phones such as the iPhone 18 and 18E later get their spotlight.

For consumers, this change can be a mixed bag. Many users usually wait for the base iPhone model, which provide balance between value and performance. Several months of delay may test their patience – or some may push towards competition. However, from Apple’s perspective, this idea seems to play long games-keeping the brand in the news cycle, head-on head-on, and capitaling on a market that is no longer dominating the release of a year.

While none of this is officially confirmed, the continuation of leaks from reliable sources indicates a major strategic reconsideration inside the Apple. Whether this step pays or the backfire will become clear only in the next two years.