Apple will split the iPhone lineup into two launches per year — flagship Pro models along with the most expensive iPhone Ultra in history will remain in the fall, while base and budget versions will move to spring. According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, iPhone 18e, iPhone 18, and iPhone Air 2 will be unveiled in March–April 2027.
iphone 18e and iphone air 2: release dates, differences and prices
When Will Apple Release iPhone 18e, iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2
According to Gurman’s latest report, Apple plans to introduce three new iPhones in spring 2027. The exact date is still unknown, as is the announcement format — whether it will be an online presentation or a quiet press release.
Now there will be two iPhone presentations per year. Or the spring one might be limited to a press release on the website
In fall 2026, the company will showcase its flagships: iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and alongside them at the same presentation, the foldable iPhone Ultra. Thus, the lineup will finally split into two seasonal launches.
For the budget “e” series, a spring launch has already become tradition: iPhone 16e came out in early 2025, iPhone 17e — in early 2026. But the fact that the regular iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 are also moving to spring is a notable strategy shift.
How iPhone Air 2 Will Differ from iPhone Air
The first iPhone Air and the standard iPhone 17 appeared in September 2025. Sales of iPhone Air, according to analysts, turned out to be lower than expected compared to iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro. Nevertheless, Apple is not planning to discontinue the lineup.
According to rumors, iPhone Air 2 will receive several notable improvements:
Air 2 will get a second camera
- A20 chip (same as iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e)
- A second rear camera — the current iPhone Air has only one
- A larger battery
- A vapor chamber cooling system like iPhone 17 Pro — it helps maintain performance under load
Moreover, a Chinese insider from the Weibo platform claims that Apple is also planning an iPhone Air 3, despite modest sales of the first generation. The company apparently believes in this format for the long term.
What Is Known About iPhone 18e and iPhone 18
Both models, according to available information, will receive the A20 chip and minimal other changes. Exactly what updates await these devices beyond the processor is unclear, so it’s too early to draw conclusions about cameras, displays, or design.
We’re expecting Dynamic Island in iPhone 18e. It’s time to get rid of the notch
iPhone 18e will continue its role as the most affordable iPhone in the lineup. The standard iPhone 18 will occupy the middle niche — between the “e” and Air.
Release Schedule for All iPhones Through Spring 2027
Here’s what the launch schedule looks like according to Gurman:
- September 2026: iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, foldable iPhone Ultra
- March–April 2027: iPhone 18e, iPhone 18, iPhone Air 2
Earlier, there were conflicting reports about the iPhone Air 2 release timeline — some sources pointed to fall 2026, others to spring 2027. Gurman’s report brings clarity: the second-generation Air will launch specifically in spring.
Should You Wait for iPhone 18e, iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2
If you’re currently using an iPhone 15 or older and aren’t chasing Pro cameras and maximum performance, the spring 2027 models could be a sensible choice. The A20 chip will be current, and prices for base and budget models are traditionally lower than the Pro lineup.
For owners of iPhone 17 or the current iPhone Air, there’s no rush — the updates look evolutionary rather than revolutionary. A second camera and a bigger battery in Air 2 are nice, but hardly worth an annual upgrade.
It’s important to remember that all of this is still rumors and predictions, even if from one of the most reliable insiders in the industry. Final specifications, prices, and exact dates will be announced by Apple closer to launch. For now, the main practical takeaway: if you were thinking about buying a base iPhone in fall 2026 — it might be worth waiting a few months until spring.
