Brace yourselves, Apple fans! The release timeline for the highly anticipated iPhone 18 is set to take a surprising twist that could leave many scratching their heads or jumping for joy.

According to a recent report from ET News, Apple's game-changing iPhone 18 series won't hit the market as expected. Instead, the premium versions of the iPhone 18 will debut in September 2026 — coinciding with the launch of the first-ever foldable iPhone!

But don't get too excited just yet: the base iPhone 18 model is slated for release in the first half of 2027. This means that Apple has a massive two-year release schedule that has implications for its current iPhone 17 lineup set to launch this September.

If the rumors hold true, here’s what the upcoming timeline looks like:

📅 The Future Release Schedule:

- **September 2025:** iPhone 17, iPhone Pro, iPhone Pro Max, and iPhone Air - **First half of 2026:** iPhone 17e (the budget-friendly version) - **September 2026:** Foldable iPhone, iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max - **First half of 2027:** iPhone 18 base model and iPhone 18e.

An Apple representative has yet to comment on this seismic shift. However, industry experts like Kumar Priyadarshi from TechoVedas are weighing in on how this could be a smart move. He noted that two launches per year could keep Apple in the news longer, potentially stabilizing sales throughout the year.

Priyadarshi also highlighted the benefits for customers: "The fall release will appeal to those who want cutting-edge tech, while a spring launch can attract budget-conscious buyers looking for upgrades. However, Apple must ensure that buyers of the regular model don’t feel like they’re settling for the 'lesser' iPhone."

With a 2% dip in iPhone shipments this past quarter, Apple’s strategy to split its launches may be just what the company needs to revitalize interest and sales.

Stay tuned for more updates as Apple navigates this intriguing new path in the smartphone landscape!