For the first time since 2007, Apple may significantly change how it launches new iPhones. According to a new report, the company is considering delaying the standard iPhone 18, while still releasing the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on schedule in the fall of 2026.

If confirmed, this would mark a notable break from Apple’s long-standing tradition of unveiling its entire flagship lineup at once.

Why Apple Is Prioritizing Premium Models

Until recently, analysts believed this staggered release was purely strategic, meant to better align the standard iPhone with a future, more affordable variant expected in 2027. But a fresh report from Nikkei Asia adds a more concrete explanation: a growing shortage and rising cost of memory chips and other critical components.

In this context, prioritizing premium devices makes business sense. Pro models generate higher margins, and allocating limited components to the most profitable products helps Apple optimize both revenue and production efficiency. Delaying one model could also ease pressure on the supply chain during a particularly complex hardware cycle.

Foldables Add Extra Pressure to the Supply Chain

Complicating matters further is Apple’s rumored first foldable iPhone, widely expected to debut alongside the Pro models. Manufacturing a foldable device requires new materials, tighter tolerances, and more advanced production techniques, all of which increase the risk of delays or quality issues.

Apple has already hinted at similar challenges. During a recent earnings call, CEO Tim Cook acknowledged supply constraints affecting AirPods Pro, suggesting demand outpaced Apple’s ability to manufacture at scale. The same dynamics may now be influencing the iPhone roadmap.

When to Expect the Standard iPhone 18

For users waiting on the non-Pro model, the delay may not be as long as feared. Current expectations point to a launch in the first half of 2027, rather than later in the year.

If this shift happens, it could signal a broader change in Apple’s hardware strategy, one where premium devices increasingly take center stage, while standard models follow on a different timeline. For Apple, it’s a calculated move. For the industry, it may set a new precedent.

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