Got my son a regular iPhone 17 and I'm very impressed - other than 5x zoom, it's pretty comparable to my 16 Pro. I think they want to give people a reason to get 18 Pro as opposed to 18, but they should be careful not to remove the dynamic island or ProMotion - that would be a complete dealbreaker.
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iPhone 18 Might Look a Lot More Like an 'e' Model, Leaker Claims
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It's concerning, ever since the iPhone 15 the regular models have gotten a lot better and are great value for money.
Apple clearly know this and are now wanting to make the 18 worse as to not cannibalise Pro sales.
How about instead of making the 18 standard worse, make the 18 Pro better?
Don't drag the standard model down, push the pro model up.
In my opinion, the iphone should have 3x version each year.
An e model, xx standard model and then the pro models.
I know the fold is coming which breaks that already but Apple have struggled to have four models collectively be successful (by their standards) every year with the Mini, Plus models and now most recently the Air.
The should be making less phones not adding a potential fith one to the line.
I'm just worred that the upgrade from the 17 standard to the 18 standard will be like the 13 to 14 where next to nothing improved and people will complain that the 18 standard isn't worth buying at all.
Be interesting to see how this all plays out...
Apple clearly know this and are now wanting to make the 18 worse as to not cannibalise Pro sales.
How about instead of making the 18 standard worse, make the 18 Pro better?
Don't drag the standard model down, push the pro model up.
In my opinion, the iphone should have 3x version each year.
An e model, xx standard model and then the pro models.
I know the fold is coming which breaks that already but Apple have struggled to have four models collectively be successful (by their standards) every year with the Mini, Plus models and now most recently the Air.
The should be making less phones not adding a potential fith one to the line.
I'm just worred that the upgrade from the 17 standard to the 18 standard will be like the 13 to 14 where next to nothing improved and people will complain that the 18 standard isn't worth buying at all.
Be interesting to see how this all plays out...
BigDO
macrumors 68000
There is absolutely zero chance that they will walk back features, such as 120Hz and DI.
What could be likely is greater differentiation in the next generation, which is fine given that 17 has addressed the major gaps compared to the competitors.
switz
Contributor
I have often mentioned going to the Apple iPhone page and comparing the last three models of the iPhone ?? Pro Max or whatever trim level one wants to look at.
There is no Etch-A-Sketch entry. There is no new from scratch model (except for the iPhone Air) and other than the CPU there may be just three or four changes some of which can be very minor.
The issue that concerns me the most is the ability to turn OFF any or all parts of AI as, based upon past experience, it will NOT be ready for prime time even this coming year. I really do not want a half baked major application on my phone.
After paying their recent fine judgements, Apple will still have more than adequate funds for R&D despite the car and Vision goggle flops.
There is no Etch-A-Sketch entry. There is no new from scratch model (except for the iPhone Air) and other than the CPU there may be just three or four changes some of which can be very minor.
The issue that concerns me the most is the ability to turn OFF any or all parts of AI as, based upon past experience, it will NOT be ready for prime time even this coming year. I really do not want a half baked major application on my phone.
After paying their recent fine judgements, Apple will still have more than adequate funds for R&D despite the car and Vision goggle flops.
Component prices, continued product segmentation, and persistent rumors.
Also the fact that Apple has recently done many unprecedented things, notably with regard to ads.
They've shown that they are willing to break with past traditions to the detriment of the users.
I'm not saying it's definitely going to happen. Just that it's plausible: reasonable to likely.
Phineasgage1848
macrumors regular
Thanks for clarifying! Am I on a rumor site? Oh wait! I've been reading MacRumors for almost 20 years so I know exactly what I was reading and saying. I was clearly referring to "focused digital" not mentioning any specifics on the parts or what is being downgraded...and MR not corroborating any of the alleged downgrades. Just because they're designing the "e" model and the 18 to have some interchangeable parts doesn't mean the 18 is being "downgraded". Focused Digital is probably just chasing views.
zarmanto
macrumors 65816
Hey man, I agree with you, in principle. I just think that you could have chosen a better way to deliver your message, such that the target of your criticism was more obvious. Something like this comment, that I made in another thread, perhaps.
But absolutely; some rumor sources are better than others, and Focused Digital's reporting on this topic in particular is definitely... questionable, at best.
johnmarki
macrumors 6502
The rumors lately and the choices to release the 17 Pro/ProMax in a somewhat alternative color palette, has me believing in the talk of the "e" model or "off year" for newer iPhones. Probably release them in a black, silver, red, add a newer camera mode (dont ask me why i think this, but I really believe a new camera mode is coming to iPhones) and call it the 18
bryo
macrumors regular
So basically: iPad, iPad Air, iPad Pro.
They could’ve done that with macs but they decided on neo. It’s kinda weird honestly.
switz
Contributor
I am not the least bit anxious about the next Apple product cycle starting at WWDC 2026.
Happy with what Apple gear I have as in my signature below.
I will be out of the US before any of the new stuff ships anyway and would want to read about customer's experiences/reviews with the new equipment before even considering any acquisitions.
Let the younger folks get their fingers burnt on the hot new gear....
Happy with what Apple gear I have as in my signature below.
I will be out of the US before any of the new stuff ships anyway and would want to read about customer's experiences/reviews with the new equipment before even considering any acquisitions.
Let the younger folks get their fingers burnt on the hot new gear....
I think that you forgot the 18 Pro Max. And the E was added into the iPhone line for those who want a simpler and cheaper model, by my standards. If we remove the E, then Apple will get fewer customers that want an iPhone for a cheap price.