Apple is poised to introduce a notable change to its iPhone release strategy in 2026, with widespread industry speculation indicating a staggered launch schedule. The budget-friendly iPhone 17e is anticipated to lead the year's releases, expected in the first half of 2026, specifically between February and May, as a successor to the iPhone 16e. This entry-level model is rumored to incorporate several upgrades, including a Dynamic Island cutout, an A19 chip, and potentially MagSafe support, while retaining a 6.1-inch 60Hz OLED display to keep costs down. Crucially, multiple credible sources corroborate the claim that there will be no standard iPhone 18 released in 2026. Instead, the base iPhone 18 model is widely expected to be delayed until Spring 2027, as part of Apple's revised release schedule. This strategic adjustment is reportedly aimed at allowing Apple to better differentiate its expanding iPhone lineup, provide longer sales windows for individual models, and potentially spread product launches more evenly across the year. For the latter half of 2026, Apple is rumored to focus on higher-end offerings, with the anticipated launch of the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and potentially its first foldable iPhone, often referred to as the 'iPhone Fold'. These shifts represent a significant departure from Apple's traditional annual fall release of its core iPhone models. Key analysts such as Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman have contributed to these predictions, gathering intelligence from Apple's supply chain and industry insights.