Apple is planning a significant shift in its iPhone release strategy by splitting the launch of the iPhone 18 series across two periods in 2026, The Information reported, citing sources within the company’s supply chain.
The high-end iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to debut in the fall of 2026, while the standard iPhone 18 and an updated iPhone 16e model are slated for release in spring 2027.
The staggered launch, a departure from Apple’s traditional September rollout, is reportedly aimed at easing production timelines, reducing logistical bottlenecks, and creating more marketing headroom for each tier of the product line. It comes amid broader strategic shifts within Apple’s global operations, including efforts to diversify manufacturing and reduce dependency on China, especially as the company navigates heightened U.S.-China trade tensions under President Donald Trump’s revived tariff policies.
In the same report, The Information revealed that Apple is developing a new foldable iPhone, scheduled for launch in fall 2026. Though the company has not publicly confirmed these plans, the foldable is expected to resemble a book-style design, with an internal display measuring nearly 8 inches when unfolded and around 5.7 inches when closed. The Verge also noted the device could measure as little as 4.5 to 4.8mm in thickness when open and may incorporate Face ID technology.
Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone market comes as rivals gain momentum in the segment. In February, Huawei unveiled the Mate X3 Tri-Fold in Kuala Lumpur—hailed as the world’s first tri-foldable smartphone. The device folds into three sections, allowing users to switch between smartphone, tablet, and compact modes seamlessly.
Industry analysts have described Huawei’s tri-fold as a “symbolic victory” in the ongoing tech standoff between the U.S. and China. Despite being hit hard by U.S. sanctions and export restrictions in recent years, Huawei’s continued hardware innovation underpins the Chinese company’s resilience and its intent to lead in next-generation device design.
Apple’s upcoming foldable, then, appears not just as a product evolution but also as a calculated response to emerging competition and geopolitical pressures. With Huawei pushing technological boundaries despite U.S. headwinds, Apple is now under renewed pressure to assert its dominance in premium innovation while shielding its operations from the fallout of escalating trade hostilities.
In an attempt to mitigate these risks, Apple is also testing production of the cheaper iPhone 18 models in India, according to The Information. This move aligns with Apple’s ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing, which has increasingly become a vulnerability amid tightening U.S. tariffs.
The report stated: “Apple would also test making the cheaper iPhone 18 models in India to reduce its reliance on China for manufacturing, as Trump’s tariffs impact its margins.”
Apple has already been increasing its production footprint in India over the past three years, with suppliers like Foxconn and Pegatron ramping up operations in key locations such as Tamil Nadu. India has also emerged as a key market for Apple’s growth, and the shift in production may serve dual purposes—strengthening local ties and insulating the company from further disruptions tied to U.S.-China policy volatility.
Bloomberg previously reported that Apple plans to launch a slimmer iPhone this year, rumored to be named the “iPhone 17 Air.” According to The Information, a successor to that model is also planned for 2026, adding to the company’s broadened iPhone roadmap.
While Apple has not commented publicly on these reports, the series of strategic adjustments underline a company under pressure to adapt. From diversifying its supply chain and expanding its product lineup to innovating in hardware form factors, the Cupertino giant is positioning itself to weather ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty—while seeking new markets and consumers through bold design and timing shifts.
