On December 23, reports surfaced indicating that Apple is set to deviate from its traditional autumn product launch schedule, beginning with the iPhone 18 series, and will instead adopt a biannual release strategy. This new launch cadence is scheduled to kick off in autumn 2026, with the unveiling of the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a foldable iPhone model. The standard models, the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e, are slated for release in spring 2027, potentially alongside the iPhone Air 2.

The iPhone 18 Pro series will make its debut powered by the A20 series chips, which leverage TSMC's cutting-edge 2nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) process technology. This advancement is expected to deliver significant dual enhancements in both performance and energy efficiency. In terms of design, the back panel of this series will carry on the aesthetic of the iPhone 17 Pro series, showcasing a prominent horizontal matrix camera module. Moreover, Apple may introduce new color variants to further diversify the lineup.

Additionally, the iPhone 18 Pro Max will undergo a design modification, featuring a thicker profile to accommodate a larger battery capacity. The Dynamic Island area on the front display will be reduced in size, and the device may incorporate advanced technologies such as a variable aperture camera system and 5G satellite internet connectivity.