Potential alteration in Apple's supposed iPhone launch plan may prove detrimental – discover the reasons behind this claim
In a move that could reshape the tech industry, Apple is reportedly considering a change in the release schedule of its flagship iPhone series. This rumored change corroborates earlier reports from Macworld.
If the reports are true, Apple could introduce a split in the release schedule, with base models coming out in the spring and the iPhone Pro and Pro Max in the fall. This potential shift could create a sense of disunity in the brand's most important hardware lineup, as it is not a widespread common trend for tech companies to split their smartphone release schedules into base models launching in spring and premium models in fall.
The Samsung Galaxy S25, recently launched, offers a larger display at 6.2 inches compared to the iPhone 16's 6.1-inch screen. Moreover, the Samsung Galaxy S25 boasts a 120Hz display, a feature that the iPhone 16 lacks. Additionally, the Samsung Galaxy S25 has a third camera with 3x optical zoom, a feature not found in the iPhone 16, and offers USB 3.0 transfer speeds, a feature limited to Apple's Pro models.
The current iPhone announcement comes soon after Google's Made by Google event, suggesting a competitive landscape in the smartphone market. Apple typically releases its annually-updated smartphone lineup in September. However, the company has introduced budget or "affordable" models earlier in the year in recent years, such as the iPhone 16e (early 2025) replacing the SE line.
This staggered release strategy allows companies to target different customer segments and price points throughout the year rather than concentrate all launches in one season. However, the premium model launch peak remains predominantly tied to fall, aligned with holiday sales cycles and buyer demand peaks.
If the rumours are accurate, the iPhone's potential split in release schedule could have significant implications for the brand. It could potentially impact the image and brand value of the iPhone, making it feel less premium as a result. The split could also lead to a near-constant release cycle for the iPhone, eroding the sense of exclusivity the iPhone projects.
Moreover, the iPhone's potential split in release schedule could make it difficult for Apple to drum up the same amount of excitement for the September Apple event. The iPhone might face competition from the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra without a new Pro Max model to back it up.
It's important to note that while some tech companies release budget or base models in spring and premium models in fall, this is more a strategic decision per brand rather than an industry-wide trend. The rumored iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Pro split release fits this pattern but is not standard for all smartphone brands or historically consistent for Apple aside from recent adaptations.
In terms of pricing, both the iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S25 start at $799 / £799 / AU$1,399. However, Samsung's cheapest flagship offers more RAM with 12GB, compared to the iPhone 16's 8GB. Samsung is reported to offer more value for money with its base model handset compared to the iPhone.
As we move towards 2026, the tech industry eagerly awaits Apple's decision on this potential change. According to a tip from Weibo user Setsuna Digital, this change could begin in 2026 with the release of the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Plus (or Air) in the spring and the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September 2026. A spring release for the base model iPhone would see it launch in a similar release window to the rumored Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup.
In conclusion, the rumoured change in the iPhone's release schedule, if true, could mark a significant shift for Apple's flagship product. The decision could reshape the smartphone market and set a new trend for the tech industry.
