Why Apple is Planning to Release a More Budget-friendly iPhone 18 Model in the Spring of 2027

Apple is getting ready to do something new with its iPhone launches. For years, the company has always announced all its new iPhones in September. But starting in 2026, things will be different. Apple is set to overhaul its iPhone release strategy, and this change means we’ll see a more budget-friendly iPhone 18 model in the spring of 2027. That’s right-Apple is set to release the iPhone 18 model in spring of 2027, but only after the more expensive models make their debut the previous fall.

According to a report by The Information, which was picked up by TechCrunch, Apple is planning this split launch to help manage its growing range of iPhones and to deal with challenges in manufacturing around the world. In 2026, Apple will launch its premium iPhones-the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Air, and a brand-new foldable iPhone-in the fall. Then, in the spring of 2027, Apple will release a more budget-friendly iPhone 18 model, along with a new iPhone 18e.

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This new approach is smart for a few reasons. First, it spreads out the work for Apple’s factories, making it easier to build all these different phones. It also means Apple can focus its marketing on each group of phones, giving each one more attention. When Apple to release iPhone 18 model in spring 2027, it will help the company keep customers interested all year long, instead of just in the fall.

The cheaper iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e models are expected to be similar to the iPhone 16e, which replaced the iPhone SE and starts at $599 in the U.S. These models will use older, simpler designs compared to the high-end Pro and Air models, which helps keep costs down. But even though they’re more affordable, they’ll still offer the quality and reliability Apple is known for.

Industry expert Ming-Chi Kuo says this staggered launch will help Apple compete with companies like Huawei, Xiaomi, and Vivo, who often release their flagship phones in the first half of the year. By having new iPhones to talk about in the spring, Apple can keep up the excitement and boost sales during a time when things usually slow down.

Another big reason for this change is Apple’s plan to make more iPhones in India. The Information reports that the budget-friendly iPhone 18 models will be tested in Indian factories. This is part of Apple’s effort to rely less on China for manufacturing, especially after the trade tensions and tariffs from the Trump administration. According to Reuters, Apple wants to make all iPhones for the U.S. in India by the end of 2026, which should help keep costs down and profits up.

There’s also the new foldable iPhone coming in fall 2026. This device is expected to have a 5.7-inch outer screen and a nearly 8-inch inner screen, with a price tag close to $2,000. The foldable iPhone, along with the Pro models, will have advanced features like under-display Face ID and a better main camera.

All iPhone 18 models, including the budget-friendly ones coming in spring 2027, will use the latest chip technology from TSMC, which means they’ll be fast and efficient. While the spring models won’t have all the fancy features of the fall models, they’ll still be strong competitors in the mid-range market.

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By splitting up its launches, Apple can make sure its premium phones don’t steal the spotlight from the more affordable ones. This new strategy could also help Apple win back customers in places like China, where local brands have been making big gains with frequent new releases.

When Apple releases its iPhone 18 model in spring of 2027, it will be a big test of the company’s ability to balance innovation, affordability, and the challenges of global manufacturing. It’s a smart move, and one that could change the way we think about iPhone launches for years to come.

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