Apple May Split iPhone Launches Into Two Yearly Events Starting 2026

For more than a decade, Apple fans have grown accustomed to one consistent rhythm: a major iPhone launch every fall. But if industry insights are correct, that tradition may be about to change. According to long-time Apple analyst Mark Gurman, the company could move toward a dual-event release schedule beginning as early as 2026—reshaping how and when new iPhones enter the market.

This shift could result in more iPhones being released each year and give Apple more flexibility in how it positions both high-end and budget-friendly models.

The Current Pattern: Four Models Every Fall

In 2025, Apple is expected to maintain its familiar lineup structure by unveiling four devices during its fall keynote:

• iPhone Pro models (2)
  
  

• Mid-tier iPhone options (2)

This approach has defined Apple’s release strategy for years, catering to both premium buyers and users seeking lower-priced alternatives within the same season.

What Changes in 2026? A Split iPhone Schedule

According to Gurman’s report in Bloomberg’s Power On newsletter, Apple may introduce a major structural shift starting in fall 2026.

Fall 2026: The Premium-Only Event

Expected models include:

• iPhone 18 Pro
  
  

• iPhone 18 Pro Max
  
  

• iPhone Fold (Apple’s first foldable device)

If accurate, this would mark Apple’s bold entry into the foldable smartphone market—an area dominated by Samsung but now attracting wider industry interest.

Spring 2027: The Standard & Budget Event

Six months later, during a spring keynote, Apple may reveal:

• iPhone 18
  
  

• iPhone 18e (rumored budget model)

The iPhone 18e is expected to offer pared-down specs aimed at buyers who want the Apple experience without paying premium prices.

Will the iPhone Air Return?

Reports remain mixed regarding whether the iPhone Air—Apple’s ultra-thin model—will see an updated version. Some earlier analysis suggested the company planned to reduce production due to slower sales, while later reports contradict that, claiming Apple still intends to keep the device in its lineup.

Should the spring event materialize, it could be where the refreshed iPhone Air finally appears.

A Long-Term Strategy, Not a One-Off Experiment

Gurman believes this two-event structure is not temporary. Instead, Apple may adopt it for “years to come,” launching five to six new iPhones annually.

If true, Apple’s goal is clear:

Release premium models first to encourage early adopters to buy the best, then introduce budget models later—reducing reasons for consumers to wait for cheaper alternatives.

A split release cycle means users may be upgrading phones more frequently or at different times of the year. That’s where having a smooth, reliable way to manage content transfer becomes essential.

This is where a third-party app like Smart Transfer becomes especially valuable. Whether you’re migrating from an older iPhone or jumping to a new model the moment it’s released, Smart Transfer helps you transfer data wirelessly, quickly, and securely. It removes the frustration from switching devices and ensures your photos, files, contacts, and essentials move with you—making the transition into Apple’s evolving release cycle much easier.

Why Apple Might Benefit From Two Yearly Launches

A dual-event strategy gives Apple several strategic advantages:

• Stronger premium sales: By launching Pro models first, Apple nudges buyers toward its most advanced—and most expensive—devices.
  
  

• Clearer segmentation: Separating premium and standard models positions each line more distinctly.
  
  

• Flexibility for emerging products: Foldables or new experiment lines like the iPhone Air can be introduced more naturally.
  
  

• More market touchpoints: Apple would make headlines twice as often, increasing visibility and hype.

Whether this approach succeeds will depend heavily on consumer response—and how many users are willing to upgrade twice as fast.

Wrapping Up

If these reports are accurate, Apple’s iPhone strategy is heading toward its most dramatic evolution in a decade. Splitting launches into fall and spring events could mean more models, faster upgrade cycles, and greater choice for consumers. For users, this also means keeping data organized and portable becomes more important than ever—and tools like Smart Transfer can make the transition between devices effortless. As the smartphone landscape evolves, all eyes will be on Apple to see whether this bold new schedule pays off.