The rumours have long hinted at Apple not planning to release the iPhone 18 in September 2026, and a new tip has only added fuel to the speculations. The iPhone 18 is now said to miss out on its 2026 annual release schedule, thus letting the iPhone 17 enjoy its flagship status for a little longer. New iPhone 18 series models, however, will be launching next September.
According to new supply chain leaks, the tech giant may skip a 2026 launch for the standard iPhone 18, opting instead to debut the base model in early 2027. Apple may be keeping the ‘Pro’ models on their usual autumn release schedule. The iPhone Air, however, may not see a successor in 2026.
A new two-phase release for iPhone 18 series
Recent reports from tech insiders, including tipster Fixed Focus Digital on Weibo, suggest that Apple will adopt a phased rollout for its next-generation smartphones. Under this plan:
September 2026: Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max alongside its highly anticipated first foldable iPhone.
Early 2027: The standard iPhone 18 will likely make its debut, potentially alongside a new iPhone 18e and the rumoured iPhone Air.
Apple has begun preparations
The news of the delay for the vanilla model is supported by leaked manufacturing schedules in China. Trial production for the standard iPhone 18 is reportedly set to begin only after the Lunar New Year in early 2026. Because factories typically take until late February to resume full operations after the holiday shutdown, a late production start makes a September 2026 release for the base model increasingly unlikely.
In contrast, production lines for the iPhone 18 Pro models are reportedly already being established, suggesting that the hardware designs for the high-end devices are finalised.
What to expect from iPhone 18 series
Despite the staggered release schedule, the iPhone 18 series is expected to bring significant internal upgrades. The Pro models are rumoured to feature:
A20 Pro chipset: Built on a cutting-edge 2nm process, offering a major jump in efficiency and power over current 3nm chips.
Under-display Face ID: Rumours suggest Apple may finally hide Face ID sensors beneath the screen, potentially eliminating the Dynamic Island cutout in favour of a more seamless display.
Refined design: While the internal hardware is getting a massive overhaul, leakers suggest the external chassis may remain largely similar to the iPhone 17 series.
Will no iPhone 18 in 2026 impact Apple?
The decision to delay the base iPhone 18 could be a clever move from Apple to focus consumer attention towards the iPhone 18 Pro and the new foldable device during the 2026 holiday season. By moving the standard model to early 2027, Apple may be looking to maintain sales momentum throughout the year rather than relying on a single massive launch event.
Note that Apple has not officially commented on the rumours. If the company maintains its current pricing structure, the iPhone 18 is expected to launch at a price point similar to its predecessors, starting at approximately Rs 82,900 in India, unless the market conditions change drastically in 2027.
