Apple may not launch its ‘best-selling’ iPhone in 2026, here’s why
Apple may not launch its ‘best-selling’ iPhone in 2026, here’s why
Publish Date: 2026-01-30 05:14:00
Source Domain: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
For a number of consecutive years, Apple’s base-model iPhone has topped the charts of the world’s most popular smartphone. According to Counterpoint Research, the iPhone 14 claimed the crown in 2023, followed by the iPhone 15 in 2024 and the iPhone 16 in 2025. However, this multi-year winning streak may be headed for a major disruption. A new report has claimed that Apple is considering a change in the release cycle in 2026, potentially skipping a 2026 launch for the iPhone 18 and pushing its debut to 2027.Citing four people with knowledge of the matter, a report by Nikkei Asia claimed that Apple will prioritise premium iPhone launches in 2026 due to the global memory crunch. The tech giant is said to focus on delivering its first-ever foldable iPhone as well as two Pro models for its launch in the second half of the year and the the standard iPhone 18 model will be scheduled for shipment in the first half of 2027.
Why Apple is reported to push iPhone 18 shipments to 2027
The surging prices for memory chips and other materials have squeezed the resources for the smartphone and laptop makers. Apple’s move is intended to optimise available resources and maximize revenue as well as profits from premium models.A recent report said that since Apple has multi-year-long deals of iPhone parts, it did not raise the prices of its phones last year even as other companies like Xiaomi openly declared an increase in cost of its smartphones. Moreover, other smartphone makers, including Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo and Transsion, have lowered their shipment forecasts for this yearThe report indicates that Apple seems to have started to feel the effects of soaring memory prices, and to minimise any potential production hiccups, the company is taking measures keep things running smoothly. This even becomes important while mass producing its first-ever foldable iPhone, which requires more complicated industrial techniques and new materials that could require more time to reach…
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