Apple is changing its iPhone release strategy. Instead of launching new models once a year, the company will now do so twice a year. The first launch will happen at the end of the year, and the second will occur at the beginning of the next year. This change is expected to boost iPhone sales, which have been sluggish lately.
The plan for this year includes the release of a special iPhone model, the iPhone 17 Air. However, suppliers are not confident that this model will be a big hit, and it’s only being produced at 10% of the total capacity. The new release schedule will start with the iPhone 18 series.
New Release Schedule
The iPhone 18 series will be launched in two phases.
- Premium models, including the iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max, as well as a foldable iPhone, will be released at the end of the year.
- More affordable models, such as the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e, will be launched at the beginning of the year.
The iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e will be manufactured in India due to their simpler design, which doesn’t require advanced production expertise. This move is also expected to reduce the risks associated with manufacturing in China.
The manufacturers are prepared to adjust production if the iPhone 17 Air doesn’t do well. They can quickly switch to producing other iPhone models.
Source: 9to5Mac