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Apple is breaking tradition — and the next iPhone might not launch in September. The California technology company has historically released the new iPhone every September since 2012, making it an annual tradition for the past 13 years.
However, sources within the secretive company speaking Bloomberg's Mark Gurman disclosed that Apple could be about to fundamentally restructure its release calendar from next year, separating premium and standard models into distinct launch windows.
Rather than the traditional single autumn event showcasing all new iPhones, the company intends to stagger its releases across different seasons, with this revised pattern expected to persist for multiple years ahead.
According to Mr Gurman's reporting, this September window will become the exclusive domain of Apple's premium offerings, establishing a clear distinction between high-end and mainstream product launches.
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What does that mean? According to the rumours, when September 2026 rolls around, the Apple Event could be limited to just its most expensive devices. If accurate, we'd see the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max take centre stage during this period, alongside what's expected to be Apple's first foldable iPhone.
However, the most affordable iPhone 18 isn't expected to appear at the same time, breaking with the company's long-standing tradition. If you're planning to purchase the standard iPhone 18 or mid-range iPhone 18e, these handsets are expected to arrive in March 2027, approximately half a year after their premium counterparts.
Out of the box, iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max are powered by iOS 26, the latest mobile operating system from Apple, with improvements to Visual Intelligence, left, letting you add appointments to your calendar by scanning a physical invitation, the new Liquid Glass design, centre, and staples of recent iPhone models, right, like the ability to detect when you've been in a car crash | APPLE PRESS OFFICE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The iPhone Air 2 might also debut during this March timeframe, though Mr Gurman indicates this remains uncertain. This six-month gap establishes a new rhythm for Apple's release strategy.
The rumoured iPhone Air 2 is expected to have an advanced 2nm processor, which is expected to deliver superior battery efficiency compared to current models. However, there might not be a dual-camera system on the rear, despite earlier speculation suggesting this feature.
As the name suggests, iPhone Air is the thinnest smartphone ever produced by Apple — topping its previous record-holder by 1.3mm (0.05-inches) | GB NEWS The iPhone Air could also serve a dual purpose in Apple's strategy. The device functions as a testing ground for technologies destined for the foldable iPhone, according to Mr Gurman's sources. Both Air models will share "many of the same materials, miniaturisation techniques, internal components, batteries, and software optimisations".
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