Apple could be set to make a seismic change with the launch of its iPhone 18, and fresh information has emerged pointing that the basic model will be done away with come 2026. Alternatively, Apple will add foldable to the iPhone line and a low-priced one in a so-called ‘iPhone family’ with product streamlining. With this simple trick, Apple maintains a high low-end market presence which is not confusing to the customer.
IPhone 18 series to launch with five models
However, ETNews claims that the iPhone 18 series will avoid the usual four-model framework. That removal includes the actual iPhone 18 version, since the base one will be removed and hence we’ll have five versions all in all. Apple iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will come along with the foldable Apple iPhone.
It will come before these models though, with the iPhone 17e arriving in 2025 following on from the iPhone 16e in 2024, it is likely to carry a little less power without losing out too much capability for customers who want value but not at the expense of performance.
PricingGets an Expensive Foldable iPhone
Apple may charge a premium $2,000 to $2,500 for the foldable iPhone The foldable experience for Apple fans come with a high price, but it will still appeal to many, say industry analysts.
Apple reportedly scoping ‘huge number of parts’ in preparation for iPhone 18 family in late 2026, wide range but still a carefully edited lineup planned Apple removes the base iPhone 18 and avoids saturating the market with perhaps too many options (like Samsung).
The Reason for All the iPhone 18 Changes From Apple
Although the absence of a base iPhone 18 will be some blow to people hoping for flagship affordability from Apple, the launch of a new model in the shape of the iPhone 17e at least leaves plenty of budget-conscious buyers with somewhere to turn. The iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will also be in the mix at varying premium price levels with the foldable leading Apple into a new era of smartphone innovation.
Therefore, this shuffling takes place to ensure that the new lineup of iPhone 18 will approach different consumer segments without causing any type confusion. Apple is the company that sells millions of iPhones every year and uses this approach to be able to focus its resources on a small number of extremely successful models.
Expected launch timeline
- 2025: iPhone 17e
- 2026: iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Foldable iPhone
That makes the iPhone 18 series one of Apple’s most transformative launches in recent years.
FAQ
Apple may be looking to further refine its lineup and avoid overlaps between products by making each model as appealing as possible.
Foldable iPhone reportedly could cost $2,000 to $2,500
Likewise, the iPhone 17e will be positioned as something of a compromise in terms of price and features: it is rumoured to power up in 2025, accompanied by the iPhone 16e as a successor that keeps performance respectable while knocking off a few dollars from its asking price.
Apple in 2026IPhone 18 Air with iPhone 18 Pro & iPhone 18 Pro Max and Foldable IPhone
