Apple’s iPhone launch calendar is changing — and if you have been wondering when the next iPhone Air and a more affordable iPhone model are coming, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman now has an answer.
According to Gurman, Apple plans to unveil three iPhones in spring 2027: the iPhone Air 2, the iPhone 18e, and the standard iPhone 18. That is a significant shift from Apple’s traditional fall-only launch pattern.
What Apple Is Planning
Here is how the upcoming iPhone lineup is expected to break down:
September 2026:
- iPhone 18 Pro
- iPhone 18 Pro Max
- “iPhone Ultra” (Apple’s foldable device — more on that below)
Spring 2027:
- iPhone 18 (standard)
- iPhone Air 2
- iPhone 18e
This split launch strategy has been reported on for months, but Gurman’s latest report is the clearest confirmation of the spring 2027 window specifically for the iPhone Air 2.
Why Is Apple Splitting iPhone Launches?
There are a few reasons Apple is moving toward launching iPhones in two separate waves each year.
First, it creates two major sales events instead of one. That helps Apple maintain momentum throughout the year rather than concentrating all attention on a single September event.
Second, it lets Apple separate the premium Pro models from the more affordable options. Launching them together sometimes leads consumers to compare directly on price — keeping them apart lets each lineup breathe.
Third, it is already a pattern Apple uses in other categories. The iPhone 16e and iPhone 17e both launched in the first quarter of their respective years.
What About the iPhone Air 2?
The current iPhone Air launched in September 2025 alongside the iPhone 17 series. It has been Apple’s thinnest iPhone to date, and has reportedly sold well enough for Apple to greenlight a sequel.
The iPhone Air 2 is expected to arrive with upgraded internals. Some rumors have pointed to an A19 chip, but Apple is also reportedly testing various configurations to keep the thin profile while improving battery life — a common criticism of the current model.
We have already covered everything known about Apple’s foldable iPhone, which is now expected to launch in September 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. You can also check our iPhone 18 Pro rumor roundup for the latest on Apple’s flagship phone.
What About the iPhone 18e?
The iPhone 18e follows a pattern Apple has now repeated twice: a budget-friendly iPhone that launches in the first quarter of the year. The iPhone 16e arrived in Q1 2025, and the iPhone 17e came in Q1 2026.
The 18e is expected to be the most affordable new iPhone option when it arrives, targeting users who want a current Apple chip but do not need the full Pro feature set.
The Bottom Line
Apple’s move to a split launch schedule is now looking permanent, not experimental. If you are holding off on a new iPhone purchase, it helps to know that a new standard iPhone, a new Air, and a new budget model are all coming in spring 2027 — not just the fall.
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