Apple's iPhone lineup could undergo one of its biggest changes in years next year. After a long period of incremental model evolution, the company appears to have reached a crucial turning point with the iPhone 18 and its accompanying models. What was already hinted at with the introduction of the iPhone Air in the fall of 2025 could now develop into a complete restructuring of the product range.
Apple caused a stir last fall with the iPhone Air. The model replaced the Plus version and established a new category between the standard and Pro models. However, sales figures apparently fell short of expectations. According to several reports, including one from The Information, Apple has postponed the launch of its successor – the iPhone Air 2. This decision has far-reaching consequences for the iPhone 18 series, which is expected in fall 2026.
iPhone Air 2 delay
Initially, it was reported that Apple had indefinitely halted development of the iPhone Air 2 due to disappointing sales figures for its predecessor. However, it was soon clarified that work on the model is continuing, but the release is not expected until spring 2027. Apple reportedly wants to use the additional time to equip the device with a second rear camera.
Before this change in dates, a four-part model series was originally planned for fall 2026, consisting of the iPhone Air 2, the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the iPhone Fold. A regular base model iPhone 18 was not planned – according to earlier reports, this was not expected until early 2027.
The delay of the iPhone Air 2 has created a gap in the fall lineup, putting Apple in an unusual situation.
An unusual iPhone generation in autumn 2026
Should Apple stick to its current plan, the iPhone 18 series would consist of only three models in the fall of 2026:
- iPhone 18 Pro
- iPhone 18 Pro Max
- iPhone Fold
This would be the smallest and most unusual iPhone collection in years. For the first time in a long time, there would be no entry-level model covering the usual price range. The cheapest model would therefore be the iPhone 18 Pro – with a starting price of approximately €1,299. By comparison, the starting price has previously been around €949.
This would mean that the new generation would consist almost exclusively of high-end devices. While the iPhone Fold is likely to attract a lot of attention, it's unlikely to become a mass-market product. That would leave only the iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone 18 Pro Max as two models truly suitable for the majority of buyers.
Impact on Apple's strategy
Such a model structure would be risky for Apple in several respects. Firstly, the choice for customers would shrink significantly, and secondly, the entry-level price would rise noticeably. This could negatively impact sales figures – especially if demand for premium devices stagnates.
The company would thus be trying to focus clearly on the upper market segment. At the same time, it would be more difficult to maintain the previous year's sales figures, as the more affordable models would no longer be available.
Possibility of a course correction
It's possible that Apple will adjust its plans. Should it become apparent that a purely premium lineup will be problematic in the fall of 2026, the company could bring forward the release of the base iPhone 18. This would rebalance the portfolio and bring back a model for the mid-range price segment.
Such a step would also ensure that the 2026 iPhone generation follows the familiar pattern again: a standard model for the mass market, flanked by the Pro models and a more experimental device like the foldable.
iPhone 18: Apple is facing a strategic new beginning
The upcoming iPhone 18 series suggests a major strategic shift at Apple. The company seems prepared to fundamentally rethink its product structure – even at the risk of presenting an unusual lineup for a transitional period. Whether Apple will actually opt for a smaller, more expensive iPhone series or bring forward the release of the base iPhone 18 to fall 2026 remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: The iPhone 18 represents more than just a new generation of devices. It could mark the beginning of a new era in which Apple redefines its iPhone strategy – with potentially far-reaching consequences for the market, prices, and customers. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those compatible with HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Katerina Elagina)
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