Some time ago, news emerged from several telecom companies suggesting that Apple plans to shake up its yearly iPhone release schedule, starting with the iPhone 18. Today, industry insider Mark Gurman has confirmed this in his newsletter, Power On.
### New Release Schedule for the iPhone 18
Beginning with the iPhone 18 next year, Apple will split its flagship releases into two separate events each year. The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone are expected to hit shelves in the fall of 2026 as usual. However, the base model of the iPhone 18 series, along with the iPhone 18e and the second generation of the iPhone Air, won’t arrive until the first half of 2027.
Early next year, we will only see the release of the iPhone 17e.
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### What Do You Think About the New iPhone Release Schedule?
– I think it’ll work out great – 50%
– This sounds very weird to me – 0%
– Indifferent / Wait and see how it plays out – 50%
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### Better Competition Against Samsung and Google
One of the main reasons Apple is changing its release strategy, according to Gurman, is to better compete with rivals like Samsung and Google.
In the past, Apple used to release all iPhone models at once during a major event, with only the budget phone launching earlier. With the introduction of the new e-series, budget phones can now also follow an annual release schedule to better compete with rivals such as the upcoming Google Pixel 10a.
The earlier launch of the base model iPhone and the iPhone Air will help Apple compete with Samsung’s Galaxy phones, which tend to release around the same time. Meanwhile, the bigger releases — like the Pro and foldable models — will compete directly with Samsung’s foldables and Google’s flagship Pixel phones.
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### Probably a Pretty Good Decision
While many will miss the spectacle of a single, yearly iPhone launch event, this appears to be a smart move by Apple.
Besides enhancing competition with Galaxy and Pixel devices, this approach allows Apple to turn its budget offerings into yearly products, potentially boosting revenue.
Additionally, spreading out releases will reduce the annual supply chain burden, giving Apple more flexibility to address any production issues. Given the software update challenges Apple faced in 2024, this extra leeway could prove very beneficial.
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### Deal Spotlight: iPhone 16 Pro Refurbished by Back Market – $813 (19% Off)
Apple’s 2024 flagship, the iPhone 16 Pro, remains an excellent choice. It offers all the latest software features and strong camera performance — minus some advanced modes like ProRes RAW Log 2 recording. If those features aren’t a dealbreaker for you, the iPhone 16 Pro still delivers great value in your hands.
Right now, you can save around $200 on this flagship device by purchasing a refurbished model from Back Market. Prices vary depending on condition, color, and availability.
[Buy at Back Market]
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https://www.phonearena.com/news/apple-ending-yearly-iphone-releases_id175768
