No Base iPhone in 2026 as Apple Bets Big on Foldable Launch

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is among the best stocks to buy now according to AI. According to the report by South Korean outlet ETNews, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will skip the launch schedule in 2026, breaking from its tradition by not releasing its base model. The reason is simple – it’s saving the spotlight for its first-ever foldable smartphone, which will be unveiled in the fall alongside iPhone 18 Air, 18 Pro, and 18 Pro Max.

During the first half of 2026, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will only debut its budget-friendly iPhone 17e, while the basic iPhone 18 will appear in 2027. Following this, the tech powerhouse will transition into a two-stage annual cycle, whereby the primary models will be introduced in the spring, and flagships and folding versions in the fall.

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A wide view of an Apple store, showing the range of products the company offers.

This is a smart strategy, considering the lack of interest from customers throughout the rest of the months. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is heavily dependent on Services, which is now its main growth catalyst, with an emphasis on delivering sustained double-digit growth, peak margins, and resilience against macroeconomic pressures.

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is a California-based provider of smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables, and accessories that was founded in 1976. With a mission to bring the best user experience, the company offers iPhone, Mac, and iPad, among others.

While we acknowledge the potential of AAPL to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than AAPL and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.

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