Apple's iPhone 18 unveiling this fall is expected in September, but rumors suggest several abnormalities echoing the 2020 COVID-era launch anomaly. Normally Apple announces four new models in early September and ships them all later that month.

In 2020, the lineup wasn't announced until October, with only two models shipping initially and two delayed until November. This year, only iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max might be available at launch, while the foldable iPhone Ultra could arrive weeks later.

Apple may also debut only three models this fall—its smallest lineup since 2019—if iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 are pushed to spring 2027. Whether due to strategic reasons, the global memory crisis, or foldable production challenges, 2026's launch could mirror 2020's staggered approach.