Base iPhone launch could be pushed to 2027 as Apple bets on its foldable debut

If you thought Apple’s iPhone calendar was etched in stone, think again. According to a report out of South Korea, Cupertino is about to shuffle its release deck in a way that could leave fans both thrilled and mildly disoriented.

The standard iPhone 18 is unlikely to be released until early 2027. Instead, Apple plans to use 2026 to put its first foldable iPhone under the spotlight. The premium iPhone 18 Air, Pro, and Pro Max (or Ultra, depending on how Apple wants to market it) are expected to arrive in September 2026 alongside the foldable. The regular iPhone 18, plus the more wallet-friendly iPhone 18e, are tipped to drop months later during a Spring 2027 event.

The idea is simple but bold – Apple gets to dominate headlines twice a year, stretching hype cycles longer and giving both its most premium buyers and those looking for an affordable upgrade separate moments to shine.

It also happens to be smart timing. Apple’s iPhone shipments slipped 2 per cent in the last quarter, and spring launches could help plug that traditional sales lull between January and June.

The foldable gamble

The centrepiece of this shake-up is, of course, the foldable. Apple’s first attempt in the category is expected to lean on Samsung for displays and core parts, which means the design might initially echo the Galaxy Z Fold series. Don’t expect it to come cheap either. Bloomberg reports Apple could price its debut foldable north of $2,000 (around Rs 1,72,500), cementing its place in the ultra-premium club.

With the iPhone foldable, Apple will finally enter a market where rivals like Samsung, Oppo, and Huawei have been slugging it out for years. The company seems determined to give its foldable the solo stage it deserves, pushing the regular iPhone 18 to the sidelines for a season.

ALSO READ: Apple’s foldable device may become a reality in late 2026

For buyers, it could mean new rhythms to the annual iPhone upgrade dance. Fall (September) might become the season of innovation and ultra-premium flexing, while spring (March-May) turns into the moment for practical, mainstream upgrades.

Either way, the age of one neat September iPhone drop is over. Apple is rewriting its own script, and in typical Apple fashion, it wants you to believe the wait and the price tag will be worth it.