Apple Pushes iPhone 18 to 2027, Shifts Focus to Foldable and Premium Models
Apple is reportedly reshaping its iPhone launch strategy, delaying the release of the standard iPhone 18 until early 2027 while prioritizing premium devices, including its first-ever foldable iPhone. According to Nikkei Asia, which cited four people familiar with the matter, the move reflects both supply chain pressures and a shift in marketing priorities.
The company plans to introduce three high-end iPhone models in the second half of 2026: a foldable iPhone and two non-folding devices featuring improved cameras and larger displays. As a result, the entry-level iPhone 18 has been pushed back to the first half of 2027.
One of the key drivers behind this decision is rising memory chip costs and constrained access to advanced chipmaking technologies. During Apple’s first-quarter earnings call, CEO Tim Cook stated that the company ended the December quarter with “very lean” inventory, forcing Apple into what he described as “supply chase mode.”
Cook also warned that increasing memory prices would continue to pressure profit margins in the near term. Industry sources told Nikkei Asia that supply chain stability remains one of Apple’s biggest challenges this year, alongside changes in its product marketing strategy.
Apple is also competing with AI giants such as Nvidia and Amazon for limited high-end materials used in chip substrates. By staggering product launches, Apple can allocate scarce components to its most profitable devices while managing the complex manufacturing ramp-up required for its new foldable form factor.
Well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously predicted this shift, citing global RAM shortages driven by AI hardware demand. The foldable iPhone, expected to cost around $1,999, is rumored to feature a 7.8-inch internal display and a 5.5-inch external display in a book-style fold similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold lineup.
Analysts estimate that the foldable iPhone could represent a $65 billion revenue opportunity for Apple. The news follows a strong quarter for the company, which reported $143.8 billion in revenue and $85.3 billion in iPhone sales, marking a 23% year-over-year increase.
