Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported today that Apple will stagger its iPhone launches, bringing the Pro range and the long rumoured foldable to market in fall 2026 while delaying cheaper and standard models, such as the next iPhone Air, until spring 2027. The report also says Apple is reassessing the second generation iPhone Air because the first model failed to meet expectations.

Why it matters

A two stage release timetable would be a major change from Apple’s long held pattern of unveiling most models in a single September event. Analysts say the split lets Apple spotlight higher margin Pro models first while giving suppliers and marketing teams more time to prepare lower cost variants. MacRumors summarised Gurman’s point that Apple could aim to boost early sales of premium models before rolling out the rest.

Background and context

Apple introduced the iPhone Air earlier this year as a thin premium alternative, but the device did not attract expected buyer volumes because of trade offs such as a smaller battery and a single rear lens at a high price point. Reuters reported last week that Apple had already pushed back the Air series development amid weak sales and supplier comments.

Industry outlets including Tom’s Guide note that a staggered release would let Apple launch advanced hardware like a foldable iPhone and refreshed Pro internals while delaying the vanilla and budget models until later, possibly to smooth supply chain strain and extend product marketing cycles.

What Apple reportedly told partners and suppliers

According to the coverage, Apple informed engineering and supply chain partners that the next iPhone Air is no longer on the calendar for fall 2026 and that some development has been reprioritised. One analyst quoted in reportage said this gives Apple more time to address the Air’s criticized camera and battery shortcomings before a potential later release.

“Apple’s plan appears to be to put resources into the flagship experience first, and then follow with the mass market models,” Mark Gurman wrote in today’s Power On newsletter.

“Delaying the Air allows Apple to avoid a crowded fall roadmap and focus consumer attention on Pro devices,” an industry analyst told Tom’s Guide.

What to expect next

• A confirmed Apple product calendar could appear later this year or early next year when Apple updates partners. For now these are reports built on industry sources and Apple insiders.
• If Apple shifts to a twice yearly cadence for some models, rivals and the supply chain will likely adjust production schedules, pricing and marketing to match the new rhythm.

How this affects buyers

For buyers this means the premium Pro and foldable options may arrive first, with the more affordable models available months later. If you plan to upgrade for features that typically debut on Pro devices, an earlier Pro release could be useful. If you were waiting for a cheaper iPhone Air 2, expect a longer wait or a redesigned device.

TL;DR

Apple is shifting its iPhone calendar, moving high end models to fall 2026 and delaying some lower end releases, including the iPhone Air 2, into spring 2027 to focus marketing and supply on premium Pro and foldable devices.