After updating the core design of the iPhone with the iPhone 17 series in 2025, Apple is now expected to change the launch timeline of its popular smartphone series with next year’s rumoured iPhone 18. Based on a tip from a prominent leakster, the iPhone 18 may not be launching in the next September launch event, even though Apple may have three new smartphones to show, all wearing the iPhone 18 moniker.
Based on a tip from Digital Chat station – one of the mst reliable sources for iPhone leaks in the past few years – Apple may shake up the launch timeline of the iPhone 18 series. In what seems as a first for Apple, the standard iPhone 18 may not launch at all during the September launch event. Instead, Apple may dedicate this launch entirely to the more premium iPhone 18 Pro models and the successor to the iPhone Air.
No iPhone 18 in September 2026 launch event
Apple’s intentions to release the Pro and Air variants first may introduce a significant shift in market dynamics, which would eventually allow Apple to urge more people to upgrade to the more expensive Pro and Air variants.
While Apple has always stuck to unveiling all iPhones at a single launch event, the change in strategy could help the brand increase its sales even more. As more consumers aspire to have the iPhone Pro models and the Air variants, Apple would want to keep the focus centred around these premium variants for the next festive season, thus bumping its revenue during the last quarter of 2026.
With the standard iPhone 18 pushed for an early 2027 launch, Apple could bring back some hype to the iPhone lineup in the 2nd quarter of 2027, thus ensuring more revenue income during that period. The delay in launch also prevents the standard iPhone 18 from eating into the sales of the iPhone 18 Pro.
iPhone 18 series leaks and rumours at a glance
The iPhone 18 Pro models are rumoured to maintain a design language similar to the iPhone 17 Pro, including a prominent camera plateau and a triple-lens rear camera system. Both the Pro models could see new features, with hints of a transparent back panel design and the implementation of a stainless steel vapour chamber for improved heat dissipation.
The new 2nm A20 series chips are expected to bump up the performance drastically and battery life is also expected to be a lot nicer.
