iPhone 18 launch split may be confirmed as Apple supplier hints at new shipment schedule: All details
Follow UsiPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and foldable iPhone Ultra are tipped to launch in September 2026.
Standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2 may arrive in March 2027.
Pegatron’s comments about a customer changing its shipment schedule add weight to the staggered launch reports.
The leaks have already stated that Apple may split its long standing iPhone launch pattern this year. The company is reportedly preparing to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and a new foldable iPhone Ultra in September 2026, while the standard iPhone 18 may arrive several months later.
SurveyWhile Apple has not confirmed the details, this step looks almost confirmed. The major hint came from the Pentagon’s second-quarter 2026 results on an earnings call. According to Taiwan’s Economic Daily News report, the company indicated one of its customers will change the usual product shipment schedule. While Pegatron did not reportedly name Apple, the comments are being linked to previously reported plans for a staggered iPhone 18 launch.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro models may launch first
If the reports are believed to be true, Apple may introduce its premium iPhone models in September 2026, continuing its usual timing for the Pro lineup. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to be joined by the long-rumoured foldable iPhone Ultra.
For the unversed, Apple has traditionally launched its main iPhone model along with the Pro and Pro Max in September. The iPhone 11 through iPhone 17 generations have followed this pattern.
However, the reports from supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and former The Information reporter Wayne Ma have previously pointed towards Apple changing this strategy. Apple supplier Largan Precision has also reportedly provided indirect indications of a staggered release.
Apple may introduce six iPhones in seven months
As per the latest report, the standard iPhone 18 will be introduced in March 2027 instead of September 2026. Apple is also expected to launch the iPhone 18e and a second-generation iPhone Air around the same period. That would bring the total number of new iPhone models expected between September 2026 and March 2027 to six.
The reported schedule is:
iPhone 18 Pro: September 2026
iPhone 18 Pro Max: September 2026
iPhone Ultra: September 2026
iPhone 18: March 2027
iPhone 18e: March 2027
iPhone Air 2: March 2027
It must be noted that Apple has not confirmed these details at the moment.
