Apple is reportedly breaking with the tradition of releasing all iPhone models at the same time in 2026. According to rumors first reported by the Waveform podcast (source: waveform.transistor.fm), the company is reportedly considering a strategy where it would first introduce only the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, foldable iPhone (a foldable phone in the "hotdog" format) and the new iPhone Air. The classic iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Plus and the "E" version would only follow in the spring of 2027. This could happen as early as this year - i.e. in 2025.
Revolution iPhone 17? Everything suggests that Apple wants to segment its offering more effectively. The best-selling phones in the US are the Pro models – the most expensive and powerful. This would put more emphasis on its premium line. By moving the basic models to the spring window, it would fill the traditional gap that otherwise remains between launches and thus allow for greater media interest.
Marques Brownlee and the Waveform team also explained a possible connection to the chipset - until now, Apple has been installing previous-generation chips in the base models, which could change in the future. The new base iPhones could once again get "top-of-the-line" chips, but in less powerful configurations (e.g. with fewer GPU cores).
iPhone 17 revolution. The announced iPhone 17 – what do we know? – Could this happen as early as 2025?
Although 2026 is still a long way off, information about the iPhone 17 is already interesting:
- Year of release: Fall 2025 (for Pro, Air, and Fold models)
- Models: iPhone 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, 17 Air; base iPhone 17, 17 Plus and 17 E not until spring 2026
- Possible folding model: Rumor has it that it will be a “hotdog-style” foldable device with a 5.7-inch external display and an internal display just under 8 inches (source: Ming-Chi Kuo)
- Device thickness: About 4.5 to 4.8 mm when open
- Biometric security: Most likely Face ID (not Touch ID)
- iPhone Air: It seems like it will be positioned as a “Pro-light” model – with a premium design, perhaps with slightly less powerful components.
Photo: Jan Macarol / AI art Photo: Jan Macarol / AI art
The new reality: Apple as Netflix? Or the iPhone revolution!
So Apple will release iPhone “content” in two waves – a fall launch of Pro and innovations, and a spring refresh of the base line. Is this it – an iPhone Revolution?! This creates a dynamic similar to Netflix releasing series – something fresh several times a year. For reviewers and YouTubers, as the Waveform team admits, this means twice as much work, but also twice as many views.
What does this mean for users?
This change could mean a better separation between “high-end” and “mainstream” users. The Pro models will be condensed into a more exclusive fall release, while the entry-level models may be even more affordable – and more differentiated by purpose. The strategy also makes sense from a global sales perspective – fall for developed markets, spring for a broader, more price-sensitive segment.
Conclusion: Apple is changing the rules of the game
While these are just rumors for now, several sources (including analysts and “leakers” like Ming-Chi Kuo) suggest that this could indeed be Apple’s future. This would solve several problems for Apple at once: a more balanced production, more media cycle, less internal competition, and a clearer separation of models. And if the “Air” really becomes a new hit with users, it could be the biggest innovation since the iPhone X.
