The next standard iPhone 18 is shaping up as a spring 2027 arrival, while Apple prepares to reserve its September 2026 launch window for its premium smartphones and a potentially transformative new form factor. The unusual timetable marks a major departure from the company’s familiar annual release cycle and could signal the beginning of a much broader shift in how Apple introduces hardware.

For years, Apple has relied heavily on established product categories, refining the iPhone, Mac, iPad and Apple Watch while building a growing services business around its hardware ecosystem. The company has introduced successful additions such as AirPods and Apple Watch, but its broader hardware strategy has generally favoured evolution over a constant stream of entirely new categories.

That approach now appears poised for a major change.

Read more-Apple’s big September launch date is set: What’s coming with new iPhones, Siri AI and more?

Reports indicate that Apple is preparing an unusually ambitious sequence of launches spanning 2026, 2027 and beyond, with new designs and product categories expected to play a much larger role. The September 2026 event could provide the first major indication of that strategy, particularly if Apple unveils its long-rumoured foldable iPhone.

Foldable iPhone could become the star

The most closely watched product is expected to be Apple’s first foldable smartphone. Its name has reportedly changed several times during the rumour cycle, moving from “iPhone Fold” to “iPhone Ultra” and, most recently, “iPhone Duo.”

A CNET report said the device could arrive with a starting price of about $2,000, while higher-capacity configurations could reach approximately $3,000. Bloomberg managing editor Mark Gurman reportedly said the phone would be announced at Apple’s September event but would not begin shipping until October.

The device is also expected to come in dark blue and white, while stylus users could get a major addition: Apple Pencil support.

That positioning would make the foldable iPhone substantially different from Apple’s conventional smartphone lineup. Rather than simply offering another screen-size variation, the product could establish an entirely new premium tier and give Apple a direct presence in the increasingly competitive foldable-phone market.

Pro models lead the September charge

Apple is expected to keep its most expensive conventional smartphones on the traditional September timetable. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are reportedly set to arrive alongside the foldable model, creating a fall lineup dominated by premium devices.

That would leave consumers seeking a standard iPhone with an unusual choice: wait several months or move up the price ladder.

Industry estimates suggest that the Pro models could also become significantly more expensive. TrendForce has projected increases of roughly 10 per cent to 20 per cent compared with the previous generation. Under those estimates, the iPhone 18 Pro could start around $1,249 to $1,299, while the Pro Max could begin between $1,349 and $1,399.

The expected increase is tied in part to rising component expenses. TrendForce has pointed to sharply higher memory costs and a significant increase in the estimated bill of materials for a 256GB Pro model.

Apple may not pass the entire increase directly to buyers, however. The company could absorb part of the additional expense through lower margins, according to the reporting.

The foldable model is expected to occupy an even higher price tier, with estimates putting its entry point above $2,000 and its most expensive configuration potentially exceeding $3,000.

A spring 2027 iPhone 18 launch

The biggest strategic change could come several months after the September event.

Apple is reportedly planning to introduce the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and a second-generation iPhone Air in spring 2027. That would break up the iPhone family into two distinct launch cycles, with premium models arriving first and more affordable offerings following later.

For Apple, the strategy could help keep attention focused on its highest-margin products during the crucial fall shopping season. It could also give the company additional opportunities to generate publicity and sales throughout the year rather than concentrating its smartphone releases into a single period.

For customers, however, the shift could make the traditional upgrade calendar considerably less predictable.

New chips and more on-device intelligence

When the standard models eventually arrive, they could still receive meaningful technical upgrades.

The iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are expected to use Apple’s A20 processor, moving the company toward a 2-nanometre manufacturing process. The smaller manufacturing node is expected to improve both performance and energy efficiency, potentially allowing Apple to extend battery life without sacrificing processing power.

Memory capacity remains less certain. Some analysts expect 9GB of RAM, while others have suggested a 12GB configuration.

That distinction could become increasingly important as Apple expands its artificial-intelligence features. Certain anticipated Apple Intelligence capabilities may require more memory because they operate directly on the device rather than relying on cloud processing.

The camera system could also receive an upgrade. Reports indicate that Apple may equip the iPhone 18 family with a 24-megapixel front-facing camera, compared with the 18-megapixel sensor used by the previous generation.

Apple is also reportedly considering a smaller Dynamic Island across the lineup, although the extent of that design change remains uncertain.

Apple pushes further into its own technology

The company could simultaneously increase its reliance on internally developed connectivity technology.

The iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are expected to potentially use Apple’s next-generation C2 modem, although reports suggest Qualcomm hardware could remain part of the mix in certain markets.

The new modem is also expected to introduce a privacy-oriented location feature designed to reduce the precision of location information available to mobile networks.

Elsewhere, Apple may simplify the Camera Control hardware on the standard models as part of an effort to manage costs.

Taken together, the changes point toward a two-track strategy: Apple appears prepared to make its premium products more ambitious while keeping its eventual mainstream models technologically competitive and carefully positioned on price.

A new era for Apple hardware

The significance of the 2026-27 iPhone cycle extends beyond a single launch. Apple appears to be preparing a broader hardware push after years of incremental updates across its core product categories.

The foldable iPhone could provide the most visible symbol of that shift. Meanwhile, the split launch strategy would give Apple greater flexibility over when and how it markets different price tiers.

If the plan unfolds as reported, September 2026 will no longer represent simply another iPhone upgrade season. It could instead mark the beginning of a new chapter in Apple’s hardware business, one in which new form factors arrive alongside its flagship products, while mainstream devices follow on a separate schedule in 2027.

For consumers, the message is straightforward: the next iPhone generation may not arrive all at once. For Apple, the change could represent something considerably bigger, a deliberate attempt to turn its hardware pipeline into a year-round engine of new products, premium pricing and renewed growth.

Schools across the UAE have introduced stricter appearance, dress code and food regulations as the 2026-27 academic year gets underway, reinforcing campus discipline through updated student conduct policies, according to local media reports.

Among the measures introduced by several schools are bans on hairstyles in which sections of the head are shaved with a razor or blade while other parts are left long, as well as long hair for male students. Students have also been prohibited from wearing hoodies inside school premises as institutions seek to standardise uniforms and maintain what they describe as an appropriate learning environment.

In circulars addressed to students and parents, schools have also expanded restrictions on food and beverages brought onto campus. Tea, coffee, carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks and chips of all kinds have been prohibited under the new rules, with schools encouraging healthier eating habits among students.

Administrators have warned that students who fail to comply with the updated regulations could face disciplinary measures in accordance with each school’s behaviour policy.

The latest measures form part of broader back-to-school initiatives aimed at strengthening discipline, student wellbeing and the overall learning environment. They come as UAE schools implement a range of new policies for the 2026-27 academic year, including changes to student welfare, digital safety and classroom practices.

Aramex has appointed logistics industry veteran Faysal El Hajjami as its new chief commercial officer (CCO), strengthening its executive leadership as the Dubai-headquartered logistics company accelerates its global growth strategy.

Based in Dubai, El Hajjami will lead Aramex’s global commercial agenda, overseeing commercial strategy and execution, customer growth, sales, pricing, and strategic account management across the company’s international network.

He joins Aramex from DHL Express, where he most recently served as vice president commercial for the Middle East and North Africa. In that role, he oversaw commercial strategy across a significant regional revenue portfolio and was a member of DHL’s Global Commercial Executive Committee.

El Hajjami brings more than 25 years of experience in the international express and logistics sector, with expertise spanning commercial strategy, sales, pricing, product development, aviation, trade lanes and general management.

Amadou Diallo, Group CEO of Aramex, said: “We are delighted to welcome Faysal to Aramex. He brings an exceptional depth of commercial and logistics experience, together with a proven ability to drive profitable growth and lead transformation across complex international markets.

“As we continue to strengthen our global commercial capabilities and deepen the value we deliver to customers, Faysal’s expertise will be invaluable. We look forward to working with him as we continue to execute our growth ambitions with the Accelerate program.”

Commenting on his appointment, El Hajjami said: “I am excited to be joining Aramex at such an important point in its journey. Aramex has a strong global brand, an entrepreneurial culture and a network that connects customers across some of the world’s most dynamic trade markets.

“I look forward to working with teams across the organisation to build on these strengths, deepen our customer relationships and further strengthen commercial excellence across the business. Above all, I am excited by the opportunity to help shape the next phase of sustainable, profitable growth for Aramex and its customers.”

Separately, Aramex announced that Tim Martin has been appointed Regional CEO, West, following El Hajjami’s move into the CCO role. The company said it looks forward to Martin’s continued contribution as it advances its long-term growth ambitions.

Nearly 90 per cent of electric vehicle repairs handled through Electric Vehicle Services’ (EVS) UAE network are completed within two weeks. However, shortages of specialist parts and the complexity of some repairs continue to create longer delays, according to data released by AI-driven insurtech firm Shory and EVS.

The companies said up to 45 per cent of repairs handled by the network were completed within three days, while between 65 and 75 per cent were finished within one week.

Routine servicing and minor repairs typically take between one and two days, according to the analysis.

More complex work involving high-voltage batteries, power electronics, charging systems and software diagnostics can take considerably longer and requires specialist equipment, safety procedures and trained technicians.

Lead times for some high-voltage battery components can stretch to between four and 12 weeks or longer because of reliance on global supply chains, the companies said.

The findings highlight a growing challenge for the UAE automotive sector as electric vehicle adoption increases and the aftersales industry adapts to the different technical requirements of battery-powered vehicles.

Shory cited research from Astute Analytica that said only 15 per cent of repair shops in the UAE currently have EV-trained technicians.

Aoun Al Smadi, CEO of Shory UAE, said a gap remained between consumer expectations and the realities of maintaining and repairing electric vehicles.

“Many drivers expect a simpler maintenance experience, which is true for routine servicing, but the reality is that more advanced repairs require a completely different ecosystem, from specialised diagnostics to integrated repair networks,” Al Smadi said.

He said insurers could play a greater role in improving transparency and giving customers more predictability around the repair process.

Saeed Aljunaibi, founder and CEO of EVS, said access to parts and appropriately trained technicians was critical to reducing the time vehicles spend off the road.

“The biggest challenge after an accident isn’t identifying the damage, it’s having the right infrastructure to repair the vehicle properly,” he said.

EVS said it had invested in EV spare-parts inventory, specialist equipment and repair capabilities in the UAE as it seeks to reduce repair times.

The companies said closer integration between insurers, repair networks and supply chains would become increasingly important as the country’s electric vehicle fleet expands.

Shory offers motor, home, health and pet insurance in the UAE. It is part of First.tech and Judan Financial Holding, IHC’s financial services platform.

Read: Oman sets EV charging fees from October: How much will drivers pay?

Global programme management consultancy Turner & Townsend has appointed Leila Taghavi as head of Infrastructure for Saudi Arabia, as the firm expands its leadership team to support growing demand for major infrastructure programmes across the Kingdom.

Based in Saudi Arabia, Taghavi will lead Turner & Townsend’s infrastructure business across key sectors including rail, roads, ports, water, aviation and defence, supporting projects aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 economic transformation agenda.

The appointment comes as Saudi Arabia continues to accelerate investment in large-scale transport, logistics and urban infrastructure projects aimed at diversifying the economy and strengthening connectivity.

Taghavi brings more than 20 years of international experience delivering complex infrastructure programmes across Asia, Australia and the Middle East. Before joining Turner & Townsend, she held consultancy and client-side leadership roles, including at Transport for New South Wales, where she was involved in programme delivery, governance and assurance for major capital projects.

Since relocating to the Middle East, she has contributed to several of Turner & Townsend’s transport, aviation, urban development and destination projects in Saudi Arabia.

Graeme Baxter, regional head of Infrastructure, Middle East at Turner & Townsend, said: “Infrastructure represents a significant growth opportunity for Turner & Townsend across the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Leila’s decades of experience leading complex capital programmes, proven track record across services our clients value most, and extensive expertise will position her well as we embark on this next phase of growth.

“We pride ourselves on investing in world-class leadership at Turner & Townsend, as we move further and faster to expand our presence across the region.”

Commenting on her appointment, Taghavi said: “Saudi Arabia is undertaking one of the most ambitious infrastructure transformations in the world, driving the creation of nationally significant schemes that will have a lasting impact on connectivity, economic growth and future generations. Turner & Townsend’s reputation for delivering major programmes and excellent client outcomes provides a strong platform for continued expansion. I look forward to working with our clients to help bring to life transformational infrastructure projects across the Kingdom.”