Apple Splits iPhone 18 Launch and Announces CEO Transition

Apple is splitting its iPhone 18 release cycle into two separate windows, marking the longest gap between standard model launches in company history. The high-end iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a first-ever foldable iPhone Ultra are scheduled for a September 2026 debut. In contrast, the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 will be postponed until spring 2027.

This staggered strategy aims to reduce feature overlap, optimize rising production costs for the A20 chip, and mitigate a global memory supply crisis driving up DRAM costs. The September keynote will also serve as a leadership transition, as Tim Cook steps down as CEO and is succeeded by John Ternus.

The September releases will feature the A20 Pro chip built on a 2nm process and iOS 27 with an AI-enhanced Siri. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to receive exclusive hardware upgrades, including a variable-aperture main camera and a 6x optical zoom, creating a hardware divide between it and the smaller Pro model. The foldable iPhone Ultra is rumored to feature a 7.8-inch open display with a price tag between $2,000 and $2,500.

Price increases are expected across the lineup due to rising component costs. The iPhone 18 Pro may start at $1,299, while the base iPhone 18 could rise to $899. Despite rumors of a thicker chassis, reports from retailers like Best Buy suggest that iPhone 17 Pro cases may remain compatible with the new Pro series.