Apple Revives the Forgotten "Plus" Format: iPhone 18 Lineup Shake-Up
Just when the tech world thought Apple was moving on to sleeker, "Air" branded designs, a surprising rumor has surfaced. Apple might be bringing back the larger iPhone Plus format, despite a history of underwhelming consumer demand for this specific form factor.
The Foldable iPhone Timeline
According to a recent report from MacRumors, citing well-known industry insider Tim Long, Apple's highly anticipated first foldable iPhone is slated to begin mass shipments in December 2026. This unusual timeline suggests a strategic shift for the tech giant.
Releasing the foldable device at the end of the year could mean Apple wants to dedicate its traditional September event entirely to maximizing sales for the flagship iPhone Pro and Pro Max models. Alternatively, the company might be preparing a massive, standalone special event to cap off the year with its first foldable debut.
A Split Release for the iPhone 18 Lineup
Another major shake-up involves the release structure of the upcoming iPhone 18 generation. Apple might completely split the launch window for its devices:
- Fall Release: The premium iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models will likely keep their traditional September launch.
- Early 2027 Release: The base models, potentially including the returning iPhone 18 Plus, might be pushed back to the first quarter of 2027.
📱 iPhone Air 2 vs. iPhone Plus
The return of the Plus model adds complexity to Apple's roadmap. Previous rumors heavily suggested the development of an ultra-thin iPhone Air 2. It remains completely unknown whether Apple intends to release both a Plus and an Air version, or if the company will ultimately force consumers to choose between a larger battery/screen (Plus) and a thinner aesthetic (Air).
A History of Form Factor Experiments
Apple is no stranger to experimenting with different sizes to capture niche markets. However, recent history shows that straying from the standard and Pro sizes is risky. The company previously released the iPhone 14 Plus, 15 Plus, and 16 Plus, as well as the ultra-compact iPhone 12 mini and 13 mini.
None of these alternative formats ever achieved mainstream success or massive sales numbers compared to the standard models. Because of this track record, the potential return of the Plus format is catching industry analysts and fans completely off guard.