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iPhone 18 launch is far away but Apple could be planning for some big changes in 2026 that will show itself until 2027 as well.
iPhone 18 launch is too early to call but it could be cancelled. (Photo: AI generated)
Apple could ditch the iPhone 18 model next year and bring a new foldable to the market for the first time. This big news has come via a media outlet in South Korea, which suggests the company is looking for wholesale changes with its lineup next year.
The iPhone 18 version is Apple’s affordable premium model with the iPhone e moniker now sitting below it in the portfolio. The news about iPhone 18 being replaced suggests the iPhone 18 Air model could become the entry point for next year’s iPhone series, followed by the iPhone 18 Pro and the 18 Pro Max (or Ultra) variants.
End Of iPhone 18 For Apple? Not At All
The report from ETNews hints at Apple making wholesale changes to its launch strategy, all to fit the new foldable into the picture. The iPhone 18 launch next year will have the 18 Air, the 18 Pro series and the first Apple foldable version.
Once those are done, the company is going to bring the iPhone 18e model along with the regular iPhone 18 variant in early 2027 during its Spring launch event. Bringing a new product puts extra strain on the production units, and delaying one of its models to make that happen could be a smart move.
It does seem like Apple wants the big platform to showcase its foldable device, and that’s the right thing to do. The company usually sees its demand taper in the early part of the year and making this change could help them reverse that trend and get more people to buy new iPhones.
The Foldable Bet
Apple’s first iPhone foldable version will be heavily relying on its rivals to come through unscathed. The company is going to need external help to make its first product in the segment, and that help could be from Samsung. According to Bloomberg, Samsung is going to offer the foldable display and other parts that will form a core part of the iPhone foldable version.
The report also points out that Apple might have to go along with the existing foldable formula, which means the iPhone Fold could be similar to the design of the Galaxy Z Fold series from Samsung. Apple is likely to price its first foldable model over $2,000 (Rs 1,72,500 approx) which puts it in the premium but a reasonable segment.
S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr…Read More
S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr… Read More
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