In response to a brand new report from Wayne Ma from The Data, Apple could also be seeking to shake up its launch technique with the iPhone 18 lineup, with some fashions launching within the fall as they’d usually, and others transferring to a brand new spring launch window.
With this plan, Apple hopes to “rejuvenate” its iPhone gross sales. In newer years, iPhone gross sales have remained fairly stagnant, as yr over yr upgrades have reduced in size.
A part of Apple’s plan to revive its gross sales has to do with the launch of the brand new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air this yr, although suppliers aren’t assured that telephone will do properly. In response to the report, iPhone 17 Air is barely making up round 10% of manufacturing capability.
Past the iPhone 17 Air, Apple additionally desires to implement a staggered launch schedule for the iPhone lineup. Beginning in 2026 with the iPhone 18 lineup, Apple wish to launch the premium fashions within the fall, and the decrease finish fashions later within the spring.
This implies we’ll see iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Professional, and iPhone 18 Professional Max launch in September 2026 as they often would. Apple additionally goals to launch its first ever foldable iPhone in September 2026. Nevertheless, regular iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e will launch later:
The iPhone 18 sequence will embrace up to date variations of Apple’s skinny iPhone, Professional and Professional Max, together with the brand new foldable system. In spring 2027, Apple plans to launch the usual iPhone 18 and a successor to the extra budget-friendly iPhone 16e, the folks mentioned.
Each these fashions, that are based mostly on older and easier designs, will endure manufacturing trials first in India as a part of Apple’s efforts to scale back its manufacturing threat in China, two of the folks mentioned.
Launching the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e later might probably enhance gross sales. This element additionally signifies that we probably received’t see a brand new iPhone 17e mannequin launch subsequent yr.
Moreover, producers are ready to shift iPhone 17 Air manufacturing capability to different fashions, simply in case the mannequin doesn’t succeed. Producers aren’t sure on how a lot demand there might be.
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