A spring iPhone launch? Apple might shake up its iPhone release schedule – here's why

Apple is planning a major iPhone launch timeline refresh. For years, the company has launched the base iPhone with its Pro variants, but it could change starting in 2027. Both The Information and Kuo have predicted a staggered rollout for the iPhone 18 series. A few models in the lineup are said to launch in the usual September window, while others might be announced in March the following year.

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Over the years, Apple’s iPhone launch timeline has shifted from the June/July period to September. Historically, Apple has reserved the March to April window for the launch of more affordable iPhones like the iPhone SE series and iPhone 16e. However, this timeline could receive a refresh as the Apple iPhone lineup expands with new models.

For context, Apple is rumored to launch a new iPhone 17 Slim later this year. It is said to replace the Plus series, which was a replacement for the Mini lineup. This is touted to be followed by the launch of a foldable iPhone in 2026, and Apple just announced a new iPhone 16e earlier this year. In 2026, this will equal an expanded six-iPhone lineup, which is why Apple is planning a different launch cycle than usual.

What will the new iPhone launch timeline look like?

According to a report from The Information, Apple needs to shake up its ideal iPhone launch timeline to make its six-iPhone lineup more manageable. A new report from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo corroborates this report. Starting in 2027, the base iPhone could be moved to launch alongside the e series, while the foldable iPhone would join the Pro and Slim series devices in September. 

The new iPhone launch timeline could look like this:

• September 2025: iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Slim, and iPhone 17
• March 2026: iPhone 17e
• September 2026: Foldable iPhone, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Slim
• March 2027: iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e
• September 2027: 2nd-gen foldable iPhone, iPhone 19 Pro Max, iPhone 19 Pro, and iPhone 19 Slim

As per Kuo, the new iPhone launch cycle could close the marketing gap in the first half of the year, when competitors (Samsung and Google) typically release their new models. He goes on to say that Apple needs to offer more iPhone models due to intense competition, and launching them all together in the second half of every year could dilute marketing efforts.

Also: I replaced my iPhone 16 Pro with the 16e for two weeks – here’s my buying advice update

While the six-iPhone lineup offers new options to consumers in each price segment, launching them together could weaken the appeal of its base iPhones. That’s why iPhone 18 joining the iPhone 18e launch in March 2027 could establish a bold differentiation between the premium and more affordable iPhone series. The new iPhone release cycle would help the budget models from being overshadowed by the Pro variants in sales.

We reached out to Apple and will update this article if we hear back. 

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