Apple Delays iPhone 18 to 2027, Prioritizing Foldable Launch

Apple plans to postpone the standard iPhone 18 until early 2027, shifting its focus to launching premium models and its first-ever foldable iPhone in the second half of 2026, according to a report from Nikkei Asia citing four people familiar with the matter.

The U.S. tech giant will concentrate on delivering three high-end models—its inaugural foldable iPhone and two non-folding devices with upgraded cameras and larger displays—while the entry-level iPhone 18 is now slated for the first half of 2027. The decision reflects both a marketing strategy shift and mounting supply chain pressures.

Memory Crunch and Supply Constraints

The move comes as Apple grapples with rising memory chip costs and limited access to advanced chipmaking nodes. During the company's first-quarter earnings call on Thursday, CEO Tim Cook told analysts that Apple exited the December quarter with "very lean" inventory, pushing the company into "supply chase mode."

We do continue to see market pricing for memory increasing significantly. Supply chain smoothness is one of the key challenges for this year.

Cook noted that memory costs will weigh more heavily on margins in the current quarter, signaling broader challenges facing the smartphone industry as component costs surge.

An executive at an iPhone supplier with direct knowledge of the plan told Nikkei Asia: "Supply chain smoothness is one of the key challenges for this year, and the marketing strategy change also played a part in the decision to prioritize premium models."

The Foldable iPhone: Apple's Premium Play

The foldable iPhone represents Apple's most significant form factor innovation since the original iPhone launch in 2007. According to JPMorgan, the device is expected to be priced at around $1,999, positioning it as Apple's most expensive consumer device to date.

The design will feature a book-style fold similar to Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Z Fold series, marking Apple's entry into a foldable smartphone market that has grown steadily but remains niche compared to traditional smartphones.

Analysts expect the foldable iPhone to create a $65 billion revenue opportunity for Apple, potentially opening up new premium market segments and driving upgrade cycles among existing iPhone users seeking cutting-edge technology.

Strategic Shift: Premium Over Volume

The decision to delay the standard iPhone 18 while fast-tracking premium models represents a notable shift in Apple's traditional product launch strategy. Historically, Apple has maintained consistent annual release cycles across its iPhone lineup, introducing entry-level, mid-range, and premium models simultaneously.

This new approach suggests Apple is betting on higher-margin premium devices to offset supply chain challenges and component cost pressures. The three high-end models planned for late 2026 will include:

• Foldable iPhone — Apple's first foldable with 7.8-inch internal display
• Premium iPhone with upgraded cameras — Advanced computational photography features
• Large-display premium model — Larger screen targeting productivity users

Industry Context and Competition

Apple's entry into foldables comes as competitors like Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola have already established presence in the market. Samsung has been the dominant player with its Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series, now in their sixth and fifth generations respectively.

However, foldable smartphones still represent a small fraction of global smartphone sales, accounting for approximately 2-3% of the market. Apple's brand strength and ecosystem integration could significantly expand the category's mainstream appeal.

Supply Chain Challenges

The delay underscores broader challenges facing the semiconductor and electronics manufacturing industries. Memory chip prices have been rising due to:

• AI demand surge — Increased memory requirements for AI applications
• Supply consolidation — Limited number of advanced memory manufacturers
• Manufacturing constraints — Capacity limitations at leading-edge nodes
• Geopolitical factors — Trade restrictions affecting chip supply chains

Tim Cook's acknowledgment of "very lean" inventory levels suggests Apple is facing tighter supply-demand balance than usual, forcing the company to make strategic choices about product priorities and launch timing.

Impact on iPhone Roadmap

The postponement of the iPhone 18 creates an unusual gap in Apple's traditional annual release cycle. While premium models will launch in the second half of 2026, budget-conscious consumers will need to wait until early 2027 for the standard iPhone 18.

This could benefit Apple's existing iPhone 15, iPhone 16, and iPhone 17 sales as the company maintains current models in the lineup longer than originally planned. It may also drive more consumers toward financing options or carrier promotions to access the premium foldable device.

Market Implications

The announcement has significant implications for Apple's supply chain partners, including display manufacturers, memory chip suppliers, and assembly partners. Companies positioned to supply components for the foldable iPhone may see increased orders, while those focused on volume production for standard models may face reduced near-term demand.

For consumers, the decision means fewer budget-friendly options in 2026 but potentially more innovative premium devices. The foldable iPhone's $1,999 price point will position it firmly in the luxury smartphone category, competing with high-end Android foldables and premium tablets.

Looking Ahead

As Apple navigates supply chain constraints and pursues its foldable ambitions, the company faces questions about whether this delay signals a broader shift in its product strategy or represents a temporary adjustment to market conditions.

The success of the foldable iPhone will likely determine whether Apple continues prioritizing premium innovation over maintaining its traditional broad product lineup strategy. With analysts projecting a $65 billion revenue opportunity, the stakes are high for Apple's first major form factor innovation in nearly two decades.

Apple has not officially commented on the reported delays or confirmed details about the foldable iPhone. The company typically maintains strict secrecy around unreleased products until official announcements.