Apple is completely shifting its product strategy with the iPhone 18 series, which will launch in 2026. According to reports, the “base” model, which has long been the entry-level model of the series, will no longer be produced. Instead, the company will introduce a foldable iPhone and the iPhone 18 Air as a more affordable option.

The iPhone 18 series is undergoing a significant change

A leak suggests that the iPhone 18 family will consist of five different models in total. These models are the iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone. The iPhone 17e, the successor to the iPhone 16e, will also be released before 2026. With this move, Apple aims to expand its product lineup in both the high-end and mid-range segments.

The foldable iPhone, which will be the most prominent model in the series, is expected to carry a substantial price tag, ranging from $2,000 to $2,500. Therefore, Apple is positioning its foldable device to appeal to a more niche user group. Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Air, with its more affordable price, will offer an alternative for newcomers to the Apple ecosystem.

Apple’s strategy shift stems from its goal of reducing the complexity of its product line. While the company has operated with four different models for years, sales of some models were falling short of expectations as market demand shifted to different segments. This new decision is expected to allow Apple to respond to competition by increasing its model count in a controlled manner, in response to Samsung’s extensive product line.