The fall of 2026 is circled in red on the calendars at Cupertino, as it marks the debut of the device destined to be the “star” of the next generation: the foldable iPhone. As part of a massive overhaul to expand the lineup to seven models by 2027, the company is placing its biggest bet yet on flexible technology. The device is described as resembling “two titanium iPhone Airs side-by-side,” a comparison that highlights its premium build and slim profile. This launch is the anchor of the company’s new split-release strategy.
Under the new plan, the fall launch window is reserved exclusively for the high-end. The foldable will share the stage with the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. This concentration of premium hardware ensures that the company dominates the narrative during the critical holiday shopping season. It separates the “best” from the “rest,” creating a clear hierarchy in the product line.
The “rest”—the standard iPhone 18, the “e” model, and the iPhone Air—will launch in the spring. This separation is crucial for the foldable’s success. It ensures that the marketing message is not diluted. The Air, in particular, plays a supporting role as a “technology exercise” and prototype, having tested the components used in the foldable during the previous cycles.
This strategy also addresses the “pressure on engineering and manufacturing.” The foldable is a complex beast. By moving the volume-heavy standard models to the spring, the company clears the decks for the foldable’s production in the fall. It minimizes the risk of yield issues and supply shortages that could derail the launch.
The “Star” status of the foldable indicates that the company believes this form factor is the future of the high-end smartphone. It is not a niche experiment; it is the new flagship. By realigning its entire calendar and product roadmap around this device, the company is signaling that the era of the foldable iPhone has truly arrived.