Apple typically starts winding down production of its current base iPhone as fall approaches. That’s not happening this year. According to supply chain leaker Fixed Focus Digital , iPhone 17 production extended well beyond its usual cycle. Apple is reportedly ramping up output and building inventory through November 2026 for China’s Double 11 shopping period. That detail matters because Apple doesn’t normally add orders this late in a product’s life. Apple normally factors Double 11 inventory into the initial production run. Placing new orders this deep into the cycle is a strong signal that there won’t be a direct replacement ready in the fall. What’s Actually Happening This Fall This isn’t to say Apple’s fall event is canceled. It’s just going to look different. The iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and Apple’s first foldable iPhone are all still on track for September as usual. What’s missing from that lineup is the base iPhone 18. Multiple sources point to spring 2027 for the standard model.…