Apple Is Reportedly Splitting the iPhone 18 Launch Into Two Waves

Instead of one September lineup, Apple is expected to reveal only the premium tier first — iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and its first-ever foldable iPhone — in the second week of September, with pre-orders that same Friday. The more affordable iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and a refreshed iPhone Air would then slip to spring 2027. It’s a notable break from Apple’s usual “everything at once” playbook, and points to the foldable being treated as this year’s true headline device.