We're about two months from Apple's annual iPhone debut, but this year will be different. Only the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and all-new foldable iPhone Ultra will launch this September. The iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e will wait until Spring 2027 alongside iPhone Air 2.

Over the years, the iPhone lineup has grown from three models to six. That's a crowded stage, and the fourth model — whether mini or Plus — has never sold well at launch. Apple decided on a split release schedule: flagships in fall, lower-end devices in spring.

There's a twist with the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e. Apple is reportedly merging their production techniques, so the two may differ only in display panels and cameras. It's unclear if the 18e gets better or the 18 gets worse.

This split should let Apple better segment launches and likely increase average selling price, since launch hype buyers must choose a Pro model. Whether it improves overall sales remains to be seen.