Planning to buy iPhone 18? Apple may delay the base model until 2027

Apple is reportedly planning to change its traditional annual iPhone release cycle by extending the lifecycle of its base iPhone models to 18 months. Starting with the iPhone 18, which may be delayed until spring 2027, Apple will split its iPhone launches into two phases: premium models will continue to debut in the fall, while standard and lower-cost models will arrive several months later. This shift marks the first time in over a decade that Apple might go a full year without releasing a new base iPhone generation, allowing more time for each model to remain relevant and reducing internal competition between Pro and non-Pro devices. In early 2026, Apple plans to introduce the iPhone 17e, a budget-friendly addition to the iPhone 17 family featuring upgrades like the A19 chip, Dynamic Island design, smaller bezels, and a front camera with Center Stage support, but retaining a single rear camera and lacking Pro-level display features. Meanwhile, the premium iPhone 18 Pro