Apple reportedly extending iPhone 17 production cycle, iPhone 18 launch delay hinted

Apple’s iPhone launch strategy for 2026 has long been rumoured to change, with only the Pro models debuting this year. The annual iPhone launch event scheduled to take place later this year is said to include the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and possibly the iPhone Fold. The standard iPhone 18 will debut next year alongside the iPhone 18e, and maybe the iPhone Air 2 if it stands to continue. Interestingly, this rumour has gained traction again, through a new leak from China, which adds that the iPhone 17 production will be extended further.

iPhone 17 production extended longer than usual

Apple usually stops production of older models when it launches a new generation of iPhones. However, with the existing iPhone 17, things may change. A new leak out of Weibo tipster Fixed Focus Digital from China, Apple has extended the production cycle for the iPhone 17 to sell it longer than usual, and even during the Singles’ Day sales event on November 11 in China.

This suggests that the iPhone 17 will continue to be the standard iPhone model even till this year’s end. It further adds to the speculation that there won’t be any iPhone 18 this year. So, for Apple to continue offering a standard iPhone model, the company is possibly making more units of the iPhone 17 to sell throughout the year.

While it may disappoint some that there’s no iPhone 18 this year, it still makes sense for Apple, though, as the iPhone 17 does offer major upgrades over the older models like a 120Hz ProMotion display, and it also turned out to be the best-selling smartphone globally in Q1 this year, according to Counterpoint. Also, it’s rumoured that the iPhone 18 may not offer notable upgrades over the iPhone 17.

For now, those who have been waiting to upgrade to the iPhone 18 will probably have to wait longer than expected, given the number of reports about the launch getting delayed. So, if you’re in a hurry, then you should probably upgrade to the iPhone 17 if it’s the standard model you’re after and not the Pro ones.