August 18, 2025, 10:55 am | Read time: 3 minutes
According to industry reports, Apple plans a radical shift in its iPhone series starting in 2026. The iPhone 18 lineup will initially not include a classic base model. Instead, the focus will be on Pro devices and a new foldable iPhone.
The current rumors come from the Korean portal “ETNews.” They largely align with earlier information reported by TECHBOOK, which indicated Apple plans to restructure the iPhone lineup. This realignment means the company will eliminate the standard model of the iPhone 18 series for 2026. Instead, the company will focus on Pro variants and a new foldable.
iPhone 18 Series Next Year Without Standard and Plus Model
Apple traditionally releases both standard and Pro models of its iPhones in the fall. However, the future lineup will likely be different from previous generations. In addition to the Pro versions, there will be an iPhone Air and a new foldable. Insiders report that the Cupertino company deliberately wants to focus on high-quality premium devices—hence the devices will launch first in the fall.
For buyers with a smaller budget, the new concept without a standard model of the iPhone 18 could be a disadvantage. According to ETNews, the iPhone 17e will be the cheapest alternative in 2026, with its launch planned for next spring. Alternatively, the iPhone 17 and 17 Plus will still be available for purchase, set to release next month. The Plus model is likely to be completely phased out, as it will be replaced by the iPhone 18 Air.
The iPhone 18 and 18e are not expected to launch until spring 2027. Until then, the iPhone 17e, 17, and 17 Plus remain the more affordable alternatives to the iPhone 18 Air, 18 Pro (Max), and 18 Fold. Here’s a summary:
Launch in Fall 2026:
- iPhone 18 Air
- iPhone 18 Pro
- iPhone 18 Pro Max
- iPhone 18 Fold
Launch in Spring 2027:
- iPhone 18e
- iPhone 18
Technical Details Remain Under Wraps for Now
There is currently no specific information about the features of the foldable model. The report only confirms that Apple is responding to a market that has grown significantly in recent years. Other manufacturers like Samsung have already established similar devices. Apple now seems to want to jump on this trend—and is apparently restructuring its own product lineup fundamentally to do so.
Before the launch of the iPhone 18 series, another product launch is scheduled. The presentation of the iPhone 17 series is set for September 9, 2025. According to current information, this will include four models: the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.