Apple may skip releasing the usually bare-bones iPhone 18, launching the entry-level iPhone 18 Air.
With it will come the launch of the foldable iPhone, which is designed with next-gen designs and fresh experiences.
With these launches, Apple strives to balance affordability and innovation for younger customers with a design concept for them.
Apple enthusiasts may have to lower their expectations for 2026. Insider sources state that Apple may not launch iPhone 18 next year. Reports reveal that considerable changes are planned for iPhone 18 Air, and these upgrades can make the new entry-level model a game-changer.
Apple is set to introduce its first-ever foldable iPhone, alongside other exciting products, which could give the upcoming iPhone lineup an edge over the competitors. Let’s explore the details of the iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Air, and the highly anticipated launch of the foldable iPhone.
Apple is planning to replace the standard iPhone 18 with iPhone 18 Air as the new entry-level model, according to South Korean media outlet ETNews. The new iPhone lineup is expected to include iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max (or Ultra) variants. This shift allows Apple to focus on its first foldable device while offering mid-tier models for buyers looking for reliable performance and smart features.
iPhone 18 Air is expected to be a sleek and affordable device. While the actual price meant for India is yet to be officially confirmed, this will probably be positioned below the Pro models to stay within reach of the average consumer.
iPhone 18 Air is slated to pack all the modern tech with a very slim design. However, it will be priced competitively to retain the brand's premium appeal and make a smooth transition to foldables. This model may become the entry point for users who want a next-gen experience without the highest price tag.
Apple's first foldable iPhone is scheduled to debut alongside the revised lineup. It is likely to rely on partners like Samsung for foldable display technology. Bloomberg reports suggest that the foldable iPhone may mirror the Galaxy Z Fold design. This device may be the entry point for users who want a next-gen experience, with an estimated iPhone 18 price of over $2,000 (around Rs. 172,500).
The foldable model could help Apple reverse slow early-year sales by providing something new and exciting. To focus on its production, Apple may delay the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e launches until spring 2027. This would give the company time to manage resources while introducing a significant innovation in its smartphone lineup.
Even though the iPhone 18 launch might be delayed, customers will have choices. iPhone 18 Air will be the entry-level device, and iPhone 18e and the regular iPhone 18 may come out in early 2027. The foldable iPhone introduces technology and design refinements, while the revamped lineup ensures that Apple devices remain accessible to customers.
This indicates that Apple is balancing innovation with demand and production capabilities. Buyers can expect technological advances and fresh designs in the coming years. The foldable iPhone may come with a high price, but it paves the way for next-generation Apple devices.
The strategic shift towards foldables and repricing the 18 models of the iPhone continues to be the main focus for Apple. iPhone 18 Air brings in a new entry-level model, while the folding iPhone brings a fresh design. The buyers will get better technology, more choices, and a superior user experience.
Apple is trying to balance innovation, demand management, and super-premium positioning and will, therefore, make any new iPhone release attractive and competitive in the fast-changing smartphone market.
iPhone 18 Pro May Hide Face ID, But Dynamic Island Could Stay
1. Will Apple cancel the iPhone 18 in 2026?
Yes, Apple will decide against an iPhone 18 release in 2026, prioritizing the folding iPhone and the refurbished Pro series, thus delaying the standard iPhone 18 model to a later time.
2. What is the iPhone 18 Air release date?
There will be no iPhone 18 Air launch in 2026. Apple plans to launch it in 2027 in a revamped lineup along with iPhone 18e at the Spring event.
3. What iPhone 18 variants are coming?
In 2026, Apple will be releasing three major variants: the iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max (or Ultra), alongside its first foldable iPhone for the premium segment.
4. When is the iPhone foldable launch expected in 2026?
Apple's first foldable iPhone will be released in 2026. It will likely utilize Samsung's foldable display technology and be positioned as a premium device with a price above $2,000 (approximately Rs. 172,500).
5. How about the iPhone 18e 2027 launch?
In early 2027, the iPhone 18e will be launched as another bottom-line alternative to complement the iPhone 18 Air, Pro, and Pro Max after Apple's foldable release in 2026.