Apple’s iPhone release schedule is poised for a significant transformation, according to a recent leak by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. This shift will impact not only the best smartphones list but also Apple’s long-standing release strategy, paving the way for new product categories like foldable and slim iPhones.
Kuo’s predictions, corroborating earlier reports, detail Apple’s iPhone roadmap until the second half of 2027. A key change involves splitting the iPhone lineup releases. Budget models are anticipated to launch in the first half of the year, while the premium iPhones will follow in the second half. This familiar annual cycle, consistent since 2011, is expected to conclude in 2025. 2026 will mark the beginning of a completely revamped release strategy.
According to Kuo, the second half of 2025 will see the arrival of the iPhone 17 series, including the iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Slim, and the standard iPhone 17. The iPhone 17e will likely follow in the first half of 2026, maintaining the typical year-long gap between standard models and their budget counterparts.
An iPhone 16 Pro Max displaying a watch face similar to the Rolex Explorer.
The real shift begins in the latter half of 2026. Apple’s focus will move towards innovative products like the foldable iPhone and the iPhone Slim. This period will witness the launch of the first foldable iPhone, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Slim. The base iPhone 18 will be notably absent.
This strategic move allows Apple to highlight its highly anticipated foldable and slim iPhones. These new categories are expected to continue featuring prominently in subsequent releases. The first half of 2027 will see the launch of the standard iPhone 18 and the iPhone 18e. However, the second half of 2027 promises another wave of innovative products, including the second-generation foldable iPhone, the iPhone 19 Pro Max, iPhone 19 Pro, and the iPhone 19 Slim.
By concentrating on high-end models during the second half of the year, Apple can capitalize on the holiday shopping season and boost sales of its more expensive, cutting-edge devices. Releasing the base and budget-friendly models earlier in the year, coinciding with Samsung’s annual Android releases, allows Apple to maintain market visibility throughout the year. This staggered approach ensures consistent consumer engagement and potentially maximizes market share across different price points.
