No iPhone 18 in 2026? Apple’s Foldable iPhone May Replace It

Apple is reportedly planning a major change to its iPhone lineup in 2026 by discontinuing the base iPhone model, according to South Korean publication ETNews, cited by WCCFTech.

For more than a decade, Apple has launched four main iPhones every September. That pattern could break next year, with the company expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its first foldable iPhone, but no standard “iPhone 18.”

Industry reports suggest the regular model has not been canceled permanently. Instead, Apple may push its release to spring 2027, aligning it with a rumored iPhone 18e, a lower-cost device in Apple’s upcoming “e” series.

If that timeline holds, Apple would separate its launch schedule: flagship and premium devices in the fall, while budget-friendly iPhones arrive in the spring. The approach would mirror Apple’s MacBook strategy, which currently offers the MacBook Air and Pro but not a basic MacBook.

Analysts note that removing the base iPhone from the 2026 lineup could raise upgrade costs for customers, as the least expensive option will be delayed by several months. Reports indicate Apple may offset this shift by expanding the range, introducing both a new Air model and a foldable iPhone.

The foldable iPhone is expected to be the centerpiece of the 2026 release. Pricing speculation places it between $2,000 and $2,500, making it Apple’s most expensive handset to date. The company is believed to be betting on strong demand from premium buyers, even if it means delaying entry-level models.

Market watchers say this adjustment could help Apple prevent “lineup cannibalization,” where multiple iPhones compete for the same audience. By holding the base model back until 2027, Apple may steer buyers toward higher-priced variants in the meantime.

If the strategy works, Apple’s iPhone cycle could shift permanently, with high-end launches in fall and affordable iPhones in spring,