Apple iPhone 18: Split Launch of the Lineup and New Details
Published: 2026-10-01 · Author: AI Release · @ai_release1
⚡ The Gist in 5 Seconds - Apple may, for the first time, abandon the simultaneous launch of the entire iPhone 18 lineup and split the releases into two stages: premium models first, then base models. - The new smartphones presentation is scheduled for September 9, and it will be led by the new CEO John Ternus. - All specs and timelines are still based on insider data and analyst forecasts — the company has officially confirmed nothing. ### 🔍 What Was Found On September 1, John Ternus officially replaced Tim Cook as Apple's CEO. It is he who will host the September 9 presentation. Ternus is a former Apple senior vice president who spent about 25 years at the company and contributed to the development of the Mac, iPad, AirPods, and iPhone. According to analysts, the main intrigue is not in the specs but in the strategy change. Apple may split the lineup launch into two stages: the Pro models and, possibly, the foldable iPhone will come out first, while the base versions will be introduced later. If this scenario is confirmed, it will be the biggest change to the iPhone launch schedule in recent years. Also discussed are the A20/A20 Pro processors on a 2nm process, improved energy efficiency, and the development of Apple Intelligence. Meanwhile, some of the information is already being corroborated by several independent sources: the schedule change, the new body design, fresh processors, and energy efficiency. However, the first foldable iPhone (referred to as iPhone Fold / Ultra / Duo), the complete disappearance of the Dynamic Island, a radical camera overhaul, and exclusive body colors remain at the rumor level for now. ### 💡 Why It Matters If the split launch is confirmed, it will directly affect model choice and purchase timing. Those waiting for the base iPhone 18 or the thin iPhone Air 2 (whose release, according to the latest data, may be postponed) will have to wait longer, while premium devices will arrive earlier. It is also a signal that Apple is rethinking its approach to the lineup, segmenting smartphones by use cases: everyday work, mobile photography, and content creation. ### 🧩 Context Apple traditionally does not reveal its plans in advance, so all the information is based on supply chain leaks, analyst reports, and insider publications. The RIA Novosti piece emphasizes that some details are repeated across several independent sources — the schedule change, the new design, the processor, and energy efficiency. However, the data may change before the presentation, and the official plan will only become known on September 9.
⚡ The Gist in 5 Seconds - Apple may, for the first time, abandon the simultaneous launch of the entire iPhone 18 lineup and split the releases into two stages: premium models first, then base models.
- The new smartphones presentation is scheduled for September 9, and it will be led by the new CEO John Ternus.
- All specs and timelines are still based on insider data and analyst forecasts — the company has officially confirmed nothing.
🔍 What Was Found On September 1, John Ternus officially replaced Tim Cook as Apple's CEO.
It is he who will host the September 9 presentation.
Ternus is a former Apple senior vice president who spent about 25 years at the company and contributed to the development of the Mac, iPad, AirPods, and iPhone.
According to analysts, the main intrigue is not in the specs but in the strategy change.
Apple may split the lineup launch into two stages: the Pro models and, possibly, the foldable iPhone will come out first, while the base versions will be introduced later.