Apple's iPhone 18 Release Schedule: What's Coming and When

[MacRumors]

Since 2019, Apple has released a more affordable standard iPhone and a higher-end "Pro" variant, giving customers multiple flagship iPhones to choose from. Apple is deviating from its standard release timeline this year and splitting the iPhone 18 launch.

We aren't going to get all of the iPhone 18 models in fall 2026, because Apple is holding the standard iPhone 18 until spring 2027. If you want an iPhone in the traditional September timeframe, it's going to cost you this year.

Fall 2026 iPhones

Apple's three most expensive iPhones will be introduced at its iPhone event in September.

• iPhone 18 Pro - The iPhone 18 Pro will look like the iPhone 17 Pro, but it is expected to have a smaller Dynamic Island and a variable aperture Wide camera for more precise lighting adjustments. It will use Apple's next-generation A20 chip built on a 2nm process.
• iPhone 18 Pro Max - The iPhone 18 Pro Max will be nearly identical to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but it might be a little bit thicker because of a larger battery. There is a possibility the new camera will be limited to the Pro Max, but that's not confirmed. Both models will come in a new dark cherry color.
• Foldable iPhone - Apple's first foldable iPhone could be called the iPhone Ultra. When closed, it'll be around 5.5 inches, and when open, it'll be around 7.8 inches. It will be similar in size and aspect ratio to an iPad mini in landscape mode, with new app multitasking features. It will have Touch ID instead of Face ID and will be limited to a two-camera system.

Multiple analysts agree the iPhone 18 Pro models are going to be more expensive than their iPhone 17 Pro counterparts. Memory supply shortages have driven up the cost of consumer DRAM, and Apple has to pay much more for memory.

Some of the increased cost will be offset by discounts Apple has negotiated on other components like the display, but an increase seems unavoidable after the June price hike on Macs and iPads.

Analysts have estimated a $100 to $300 price increase for both models. Current pricing starts at $1,099 for the iPhone 17 Pro and $1,199 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Since there's no current foldable iPhone, there's no set price. Rumors suggest it'll cost between $2,000 and $2,500, and it could absorb some of the higher iPhone 18 Pro component costs.

Spring 2027 iPhones

• iPhone 18 - The iPhone 18 will have a 2nm A20 chip, more RAM, a smaller Dynamic Island, and a new C2 modem chip. Apple could downgrade the display to save money, and the device might share more components with the iPhone 18e.
• iPhone 18e - The iPhone 18e will follow the iPhone 17e. It's expected to get an upgraded chip and 9GB of RAM.
• iPhone Air 2 - Apple is planning a second-generation iPhone Air that could launch alongside the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e. Rumors suggest it could get a second camera to make it a better value (likely an Ultra Wide) and a bigger battery.

What's Next?

After launching the iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 in spring 2027, it's not clear if Apple will stick with the spring/fall split launch strategy or revert to its standard timing.

There are rumors of a 20th-anniversary iPhone coming in fall 2027, and it sounds like a higher-end device. Apple could opt to stick with the timing change it's making across 2026 and 2027 because it will better spread iPhone sales throughout the year.

Article Link: Apple's iPhone 18 Release Schedule: What's Coming and When

 

[I_love_money]

Sorry Apple, won’t get it. The updates are just not worth it.

 

[now i see it]

So if you buy a pro iPhone on launch day in September, you get buggy beta software on day one. That’s always a drag.
But if you buy a standard iPhone 18 in the spring, you’ll get a much more polished iOS experience on day one.

 

[JoeG_LTE]

Earlier today, you signal boosted a report from a leaker saying the standard-sized 18 Pro will not be getting the variable aperture feature. Now, this post says you think they will.

Which one do you all believe? Because you have also reported supply chain-backed reports months ago that said it would include it as well. I just don’t know how much credibility to give today’s rumor and I’m getting mixed signals.

 

[txmike418]

How many ways can the rumor be repackaged? When iOS 26 has taken a year to work out the bugs, it would be nuts to get a more expensive iPhone with buggy software IMO

 

[Wegmans]

Not having FaceID on the foldable is a dealbreaker for me personally, especially in winter with gloves. Typing in a passcode isn’t that big a deal one time, but dozens or more over a day, over a week, etc. is a pain point. I hope the rumor is wrong!

 

[yanki01]

breaking news....
what's coming...a new iPhone
when.......fall 2027

 

[Matt713]

Not having FaceID on the foldable is a dealbreaker for me personally, especially in winter with gloves. Typing in a passcode isn’t that big a deal one time, but dozens or more over a day, over a week, etc. is a pain point. I hope the rumor is wrong!

No FaceID and the lack of telephoto lens are a buzzkill for me. Intrigued to see it though!

 

[Biro]

Earlier today, you signal boosted a report from a leaker saying the standard-sized 18 Pro will not be getting the variable aperture feature. Now, this post says you think they will.

Which one do you all believe? Because you have also reported supply chain-backed reports months ago that said it would include it as well. I just don’t know how much credibility to give today’s rumor and I’m getting mixed signals.

From the article above:

“There is a possibility the new camera will be limited to the Pro Max, but that's not confirmed.”

There you have it. Please note the name of this website: Mac Rumors. They report the rumors but no one knows for sure until the formal announcement from Apple.

 

[npmacuser5]

So if you buy a pro iPhone on launch day in September, you get buggy beta software on day one. That’s always a drag.
But if you buy a standard iPhone 18 in the spring, you’ll get a much more polished iOS experience on day one.

My exact thoughts. Pay more, get a buggy product for six months. Just not right.