Recent reports, most notably a report by the Korean platform ETNews, indicated that Apple may make a radical change in its iPhone launch strategy for 2026. With the Air version expected to replace the Plus model in the 2025 iPhone 17 series, it seems that the company may not roll out the base iPhone 18 in next year's lineup.

According to sources, the proposed lineup for 2026 may be limited to the Air, Pro and Pro Max models, as well as the company's first foldable phone, which will debut. Reports indicate that this shift in launch strategy is aimed at boosting sales of the higher-priced models, especially as the introduction of the base model could divert the attention of consumers from the more expensive segments.