Overview
- Nikkei Asia, echoing prior analysts, reports Apple is targeting iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a first foldable iPhone for the second half of 2026, with the standard iPhone 18 following in the first half of 2027.
- The reported sequencing aims to optimize limited supply of memory chips and advanced semiconductor capacity while reducing production risk for the new foldable device.
- Apple CEO Tim Cook acknowledged tighter supply conditions on the earnings call, citing constrained availability of advanced nodes for Apple’s SoCs and less flexibility than usual in the supply chain.
- Apple is reportedly broadening its regular supplier meetings at Apple Park to include more component and materials partners to help secure continuity through 2026–27.
- Reports say at least five iPhone models are in development, including a revamped iPhone Air whose shipments are not expected this year, while Apple has not announced an official release schedule.