No iPhone 18 This Year, Apple Supplier Comments Seemingly Confirm

[MacRumors]

Apple's standard iPhone 18 model will launch in early 2027, based on comments from a partner in the company's supply chain that appear to corroborate rumors of a delayed spring release for the base model.

Apple typically works on an annual smartphone launch cycle where it releases the entirety of its latest flagship iPhone series in the fall, usually around mid-September. That appears set to change this year, however.

Multiple reports claim the base iPhone 18 model will be held over until spring 2027, and only the iPhone 18 Pro models will debut this year alongside Apple's first foldable iPhone.

Now, comments from a key Apple supplier appear to offer corroborating evidence that the company is preparing to break from its traditional launch schedule.

Speaking at Largan Precision's annual shareholders' meeting, chairman Lin En-ping said a major U.S. customer had postponed the launch of a new model to the first quarter of 2027, shifting component procurement later into the year and boosting expected factory utilization in the fourth quarter.

Lin did not identify the customer or product, but Largan is Apple's primary supplier of iPhone camera lenses, so the remarks are notable in light of reports that the standard iPhone 18 will not launch alongside Apple's higher-end models this time around.

The comments are particularly noteworthy because Apple suppliers rarely offer public details about clients' future product launches, even indirectly.

According to reports, Apple plans to split future iPhone launches across two release windows. Under the new strategy, premium models would continue to debut in September, while lower-cost models would follow the next spring. If accurate, the standard iPhone 18 will arrive in early 2027 alongside the iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2, roughly six months after the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple's much-rumored foldable "iPhone Ultra."

The staggered approach is expected to help Apple manage manufacturing resources more efficiently as its lineup grows to six devices instead of five, while helping maintain sales momentum throughout the year. If implemented, it would be the first deliberate separation of Apple's flagship iPhone releases since the company established its annual fall launch pattern with the iPhone 4S in 2011.

The standard iPhone 18 models are not expected to feature design changes, with Apple using the same 6.3-inch display size for the iPhone 18 and the 6.1-inch size for the iPhone 18e. For everything we know so far, be sure to check out our dedicated roundup.

Article Link: No iPhone 18 This Year, Apple Supplier Comments Seemingly Confirm

 

[sherwinzadeh]

Would be cool to combine the two low-end models into an iPhone Neo

 

[963852741]

After my 14 Pro Max bites the dust i'm buying a dumb phone.

 

[STOCK411]

After my 14 Pro Max bites the dust i'm buying a dumb phone.

Good luck with that... I think even the Jitterbug (a phone for seniors) is pretty much no longer a dumbphone lol
And those that are dumbphones probably cost as much as a smartphone

 

[tech_enthusiast_]

I suspect this is going to be confusing for consumers who are used to annual announcements. I can already see the ragebait headlines about how Apple is raising the price of their phones and ignoring people who want/need a more affordable model, especially if one of the announcements is a $2000+ folding model

 

[businessnumbersmoneypeopl]

Can't wait to see what they'll come up with for Air 2. Two cameras would be great.

 

[963852741]

Good luck with that... I think even the Jitterbug (a phone for seniors) is pretty much no longer a dumbphone lol
And those that are dumbphones probably cost as much as a smartphone

Nokia still makes more than few models from 30 to 100 euros.

 

[Royksöpp]

I suppose that's better than releasing a model with lower specs. Hopefully they won't do that in the spring.

 

[ignatius345]

Good luck with that... I think even the Jitterbug (a phone for seniors) is pretty much no longer a dumbphone lol
And those that are dumbphones probably cost as much as a smartphone

Not true:

Plenty of other non-Jitterbug flip phone options can be found with about 5-10 seconds of searching.

 

[HouseLannister]

Unless it gets 12 GB RAM, it is going to feel like an 18e by the time it launches.

 

[Dave245]

I wonder what date in September the event will be. This one will definitely be one I watch, just to see how they differ their foldable from others in the market.

 

[PBG4 Dude]

After my 14 Pro Max bites the dust i'm buying a dumb phone.

Since you’re in the EU, you’re in luck! 💡

 

[deaglecat]

AASP will rise as more upgraders will opt for the pro in September.

 

[svish]

Not surprised with this news. Would like to hear more rumors about potential color choices for the base 18.

 

[STOCK411]

Wrong.

View attachment 2638617

Plenty of other non-Jitterbug flip phone options can be found with about 5-10 seconds of searching, and none of them “cost as much as a smartphone” lol.

Yeah, I had bad phrasing on my part... Was trying to say that those dumbphone options are getting more limited by the day... Used to have a plathrotha of choices

 

[bookcase]

This is disappointing for those of us who don't want/need the premium phones at the premium prices.

 

[racerhomie]

I suspect this is going to be confusing for consumers who are used to annual announcements. I can already see the ragebait headlines about how Apple is raising the price of their phones and ignoring people who want/need a more affordable model, especially if one of the announcements is a $2000+ folding model

They will just go to the Apple Store and buy the phone that costs $600 or $800. Day to day people don't search the web for latest Pro phones

 

[ignatius345]

Yeah, I had bad phrasing on my part... Was trying to say that those dumbphone options are getting more limited by the day... Used to have a plathrotha of choices

For sure. Fortunately (for those who use them) still a few being made though. For us anything touchscreen was a total non-starter for an elderly person. And one sliver lining is that even basic ones all have GPS by law, and also legally any cellphone, even if it’s not activated on a network, has to be able to call 911.

 

[ClaraStahlbaum]

If I go out of my way to buy a new phone, it will likely be the Iphone 18 Pro.

 

[klasma]

Makes sense, there was no iPhone 18 in previous years either.

 

[imola.zhp]

Separating the flagship from the peasant device; interesting move Apple.

 

[MrMojo1]

Apple probably wants to release the iPhone Ultra (Fold) in 2026, Fall, since it's the premium and most expensive phone model.
Don't want to lose customers who'll get a sticker shock with the expected very high price.
They would probably settle with the basic 18 as it'll meet many of their needs at a lower price.

 

[BeatsByTim]

The people want their expensive yearly minor spec bump, Tim!

 

[BeatsByTim]

If I go out of my way to buy a new phone, it will likely be the Iphone 18 Pro.

Yeah, you wouldn’t want to be seen with the poverty spec phone.

 

[Jeremy3292]

Bc iPhone 17 base CLEARED. Base gang for the first time in years 😎