Tue May 05 2026, 12:26 PM EDT · 2 minute read iPhone 17 A supply chain rumor claiming that Apple has made many more orders for the iPhone 17 to keep stock levels high through November 2026 is more indication of a 2027 non-pro iPhone 18 launch. A May 4 Weibo post from Chinese leaker Fixed Focus Digital claims Apple is extending iPhone 17 production, increasing output and preparing inventory through November 2026 for China's Double 11 shopping period. Normally, the iPhone Pro and non-pro lineups are expected to debut in September, with full availability of all models in China by November 11. Apple typically plans Double 11 inventory as part of initial production, not by adding orders later in the cycle. Increasing orders this late for the base model is unusual for Apple and points to the standard iPhone 18 arriving later than the usual fall window. Analysts and prior reporting tie an earlier increase in iPhone 17 orders to strong preorder activity and steady sales in China.…