Apple skips the base iPhone 18 at its fall launch event
Apple debuted the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at its September 9 event, but skipped the standard iPhone 18 baseline model. The Pro models feature a more powerful chip and variable camera aperture, with prices increasing by $100. New hardware also includes the Apple Watch 12 and a foldable iPhone Ultra. The iPhone 18 Pro models are available for pre-order starting September 12 and will launch in stores on September 18. The event marked the first keynote led by new CEO John Ternus.
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- ✓ Apple debuted the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
- ✓ The iPhone 18 Pro features a more powerful chip and variable camera aperture.
- ✓ Prices for the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max increased by $100.
- ✓ Pre-orders for iPhone 18 Pro models begin September 12 at 5 a.m. Pacific Time.
What changed
Apple announced the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max while omitting the baseline iPhone 18 from its fall event.
Live updates
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Apple omits base iPhone 18 from September launch event
Apple debuted the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at its September 9 event, but skipped the standard iPhone 18 baseline model. The Pro models feature a more powerful chip and variable camera aperture, with prices increasing by $100. New hardware also includes the Apple Watch 12 and a foldable iPhone Ultra. The iPhone 18 Pro models are available for pre-order starting September 12 and will launch in stores on September 18. The event marked the first keynote led by new CEO John Ternus.
Why it matters
The absence of a standard model disrupts Apple's typical annual release cycle for the base iPhone. This shift places immediate focus on high-end hardware and the introduction of foldable technology. It leaves the entry-level market strategy for the 18-series unresolved.
What is confirmed
- Apple debuted the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
- The iPhone 18 Pro features a more powerful chip and variable camera aperture.
- Prices for the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max increased by $100.
- Pre-orders for iPhone 18 Pro models begin September 12 at 5 a.m. Pacific Time.
- The iPhone 18 Pro models launch in stores on September 18.
- New CEO John Ternus helmed the September 9 keynote.
- Apple unveiled the Apple Watch 12.
Still unconfirmed
- The baseline iPhone 18 may arrive next year.
- Apple unveiled an iPhone Air.
- Apple unveiled an iPhone Duo.
- The iPhone Ultra is a foldable device.
What to watch next
- Official confirmation of the base iPhone 18 release date
- Shipping data for the iPhone 18 Pro models
- Technical specifications for the foldable iPhone Ultra
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (12)
- www.cnet.com — Apple Event 2026 Live: The First Foldable iPhone, iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch 12 and More
- mashable.com — Apple Event 2026: Live updates on iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch 12, and new AirPods
- www.cnet.com — Where’s the iPhone 18? Here’s Why Apple Didn’t Reveal a New Standard iPhone
- The Verge — Apple skips the base iPhone 18 at its fall launch event
- Apple — Apple debuts iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
- Ars Technica — Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro adds variable camera aperture and a more powerful chip
- The Verge — iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: Our first hands-on impressions
- CNET — iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Prices Jump by $100
- The Verge — The black iPhone Pro returns
- www.macrumors.com — iPhone 18 Pro Launching on September 18 With These 10 New Features
- www.digit.in — Apple skips iPhone 18 at its September launch event: Why the base model may arrive later
- mashable.com — Apple Watch Series 12 vs. 11: Every upgrade, including one Apple didn't mention
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