New Delhi: Apple has reported that they are preparing for a significant shakeup to its iPhone launch roadmap, with the latest models expected to join its lineup over the next two years. According to some sources, Apple is now planning a staggered release cycle for the next generation iPhone series across 2026 and 2027, a timeline that may also mark the debut of Apple’s first foldable iPhone and a 20th anniversary model. Apple is aiming for the second half of 2026 for three high-end devices: the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the company’s first foldable iPhone. The foldable model is stated to adopt a book-style design, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold lineup.
The standard iPhone 18 and the more affordable iPhone 18e are expected roughly six months later, in the first half of 2027. The iPhone Air 2 may launch alongside these models. The information which suggested that the iPhone Air 2 has been delayed, reports also claimed that Apple never planned to release the device in 2026, and intentionally avoided calling the current model iPhone 17 Air to keep it separate from the annual cycle. Reports also highlighted that Apple is not planning to add a second camera to the iPhone Air 2, despite earlier reports hinting otherwise. Instead, Apple is reported they be focusing on moving the device to a next-generation 2nm A-series chip, which could significantly improve efficiency and battery performance.
Reports suggested that after Apple launches the iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and possibly the iPhone Air 2 in early 2027, the company plans to follow up with an entirely new high-end model in late 2027. This device will coincide with the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone and could feature a curved glass display. Reports also suggested that Apple has paused development on the M4 Ultra chip, which was previously expected to power the next Mac Pro. Instead, the company is reported to be positioning the M5 Ultra as the latest top-tier desktop chip, and at present, it is only planned for a future Mac Studio refresh. Apple is also expected to launch its latest MacBook Pro models with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips early in 2026, likely alongside a refreshed M5 MacBook Air.
