Apple is set to begin trial production of the iPhone 18 shortly after the Chinese New Year, Chinese leaker Fixed Focus Digital claimed on Weibo. The limited manufacturing runs will commence once factories resume normal operations following the Lunar New Year break, which usually concludes in late February. The leaker also notes that production lines for the iPhone 18 Pro models are already in place, suggesting that the Pro design has been finalized. Additionally, they mention that any exterior design updates are likely to be more subtle than some might expect.
iPhone 18 expected launch date:
Multiple reports indicate that Apple may alter its typical release pattern for the iPhone 18 series. Instead of unveiling all models at once, the entry-level iPhone 18 could arrive later than usual, potentially in spring 2027, alongside the iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2.
Meanwhile, the premium variants—including the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the anticipated first foldable iPhone—are still expected to launch during the traditional fall 2026 timeframe. However, these details remain speculative, and Apple may still choose to release the entire lineup together in September 2026 as per its usual schedule.
iPhone 18 expected launch price:
Analysts suggest that Apple may aim to keep pricing steady despite increasing production costs and global tariffs. The iPhone 17 launched at $799 for the base model, with the iPhone 17 Pro starting at $1,099 and the Pro Max at $1,199. Industry insiders expect the iPhone 18 Pro to likely maintain a similar starting price, while the more affordable models could experience slight changes, particularly if the launch is postponed to spring 2027.
iPhone 18 performance:
Whenever the base iPhone 18 is released, it is anticipated to receive a significant boost in performance with Apple’s expected A20 chip. Manufactured using a 2nm process, this next-generation processor is designed to deliver higher speeds along with better energy efficiency. Initial reports indicate that the A20 could outperform the A19 by as much as 15% while consuming roughly 30% less power.
iPhone 18 camera:
Apple is rumored to revamp the Camera Control button, replacing its touch-sensitive and haptic feedback system with pressure-based input. The aim is to minimize unintended swipes and ensure more deliberate interactions with the camera, all while preserving the feature’s essential functionality.
