Apple could adopt Samsung's strategy and launch iPhones in both Spring and Fall

For nearly ten years now, Apple has launched its latest crop of iPhones at an event in early September and then started selling those iPhones later that month. However, according to a new analyst report from JP Morgan’s Samik Chatterjee (via Marketwatch), Apple could change that strategy significantly for the batch of 2021 iPhones.

According to Chatterjee, Apple could split up its iPhone launch into two separate events: one in the first half of the year (likely Spring) and then another in the second half (likely Fall, or even the usual September).

If this potential strategy for the 2021 iPhones sounds familiar it’s because this is the same strategy Samsung has employed for years. That company launches a Galaxy S device in the first half of the year and then a Galaxy Note device later on. HUAWEI does something similar with its “P” series and Mate series.

If this new strategy ends up coming to pass, it wouldn’t be the first time Apple has had two iPhone launches in one year. In March of 2016, the company launched the budget-minded iPhone SE. However, that launch didn’t even feature CEO Tim Cook and was far different from the usual September launches.

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This rumored dual-launch of 2021 iPhones would be different in that both events would see flagship-style iPhones arrive. It’s possible Apple could be planning to hold a Spring launch for a new entry in the numbered iPhone line — which, for 2021, could be the iPhone 13 — and then launch the “Pro” variants of that same line later in the year. Or, Apple might relegate the numerical launches to the early half of the year and then bring out the “S” launches in the latter half (similar to what OnePlus does with its own “T” line).

Either way, this potential change in strategy for the 2021 iPhones makes perfect sense for Apple. This would help stagger iPhone sales, giving more consistency to the company’s revenue. It would also allow for less stress on Apple’s supply chain if they can split their orders into two parts of the year. It will also help prevent market confusion as more and more iPhones are launching each year now.