Apple's 2026 iPhone lineup is anticipated to undergo a significant strategic shift, with credible rumors indicating the launch of an affordable 'iPhone 17e' in early 2026, while the standard iPhone 18 model is expected to be delayed until 2027. This move departs from Apple's long-standing tradition of unveiling its core iPhone models simultaneously in the fall. Instead, the company is reportedly prioritizing the premium iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max for a fall 2026 release, alongside a potential iPhone Fold. The iPhone 17e, rumored to debut as early as February or March 2026, is positioned as a successor to the iPhone 16e, offering a more budget-friendly option. Expected features for the iPhone 17e include an A19 chip, the Dynamic Island, MagSafe compatibility, a 6.1-inch 60Hz OLED display, and a 48-megapixel rear camera. This suggests Apple aims to bring modern design elements to its more affordable segment, while maintaining cost-saving measures such as a standard refresh rate display. The decision to potentially delay the base iPhone 18 until spring 2027 is widely speculated to be a strategy to boost sales of the iPhone 17e and prevent cannibalization by the standard model, especially considering previous reports of the iPhone 16e's sales being impacted by the iPhone 16. While these reports are based on industry leaks and analyst predictions, prominent tech outlets like Forbes, MacRumors, and TechRepublic have corroborated these rumors, lending them significant credibility within the tech community. The headline accurately reflects these widespread rumors, highlighting a potential major restructuring of Apple's annual iPhone release cycle.