There May Not Be an iPhone 18 This Year

Live updates

1. 31d ago

   iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Now on Sale; Base Model Delayed to 2027

   Apple has bypassed the release of a standard iPhone 18 this year, opting instead to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. These Pro models are now available for purchase following a September 9 event. The company also introduced the iPhone Duo, which is slated for an October release. The base iPhone 18 and a new iPhone 18e are now expected to arrive in spring 2027. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199.

   Why it matters

   Apple shifted its typical release cycle by omitting the entry-level model from its September lineup. This creates a gap in the budget-friendly hardware tier until 2027. The introduction of the foldable iPhone Duo marks a new product category for the company.

   What is confirmed

   • The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are on sale now.
   • The base iPhone 18 is expected in spring 2027.
   • Apple launched the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Duo at its September 9 event.
   • The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The iPhone 18 will launch in March or April 2027.

   What to watch next

   • The retail release of the iPhone Duo in October
   • Official announcement of the spring 2027 event date
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. www.macworld.com — iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e: Release date, rumored specs, price, cameras, and latest news
   2. mashable.com — iPhone 18 Pro orders are officially live: Everything to know before buying
   3. www.theapplepost.com — When will iPhone 18 launch? Apple’s spring event history points to March or April 2027
   confidence 90%
2. 38d ago

   Apple Delays Standard iPhone 18 Until Spring 2027

   Apple will not release a standard iPhone 18 this year. The company instead launched the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a foldable iPhone Duo during its September 9 Surprise and shine event. Pre-orders for the Pro models began September 12 at 5 a.m. Pacific Time, with a retail launch set for September 18. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199. The iPhone Duo is scheduled for an October release. The base iPhone 18 is now expected to arrive in spring 2027.

   Why it matters

   Apple traditionally releases a base model alongside its Pro hardware every September. Shifting the standard model to a spring launch disrupts the typical annual release cycle. This strategy prioritizes high-end and foldable hardware for the 2026 holiday season.

   What is confirmed

   • Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on September 9.
   • Pre-orders for iPhone 18 Pro models opened Saturday, September 12 at 5 a.m. Pacific Time.
   • The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will be released on Friday, September 18.
   • Apple introduced a foldable device called the iPhone Duo.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The standard iPhone 18 will launch in spring 2027.
   • The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199.
   • The iPhone Duo will launch in October.
   • Apple Watch Series 12 and a fourth-generation Apple Watch Ultra were updated.

   What to watch next

   • Official Apple confirmation of the iPhone 18 base model release date
   • Retail availability of the iPhone Duo in October
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. www.macrumors.com — iPhone 18 Pro: Everything We Know | MacRumors
   2. www.macrumors.com — How to Pre-Order iPhone 18 Pro From Apple and Get the Model You Want on Launch Day
   3. www.theverge.com — Where to preorder the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max
   4. www.macrumors.com — iPhone 18 Pro Pre-Orders: Upgrading Gets You These 10 New Features
   5. www.macrumors.com — iPhone 18 Pro Launching on Friday With These 10 New Features
   6. www.wired.com — Review: Apple iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
   7. mashable.com — Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max review: It’s what’s on the inside that counts
   confidence 90%
3. 44d ago

   Apple skips base iPhone 18 in favor of Pro models and first foldable

   Apple announced the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the iPhone Duo foldable at its September 9 event. The company omitted a standard base model iPhone 18 from this release cycle. Pre-orders for the Pro models begin September 12 at 5 a.m. Pacific Time, with a store launch on September 18. The iPhone Duo is scheduled to launch in October. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199. Other hardware updates include the Apple Watch Series 12 and a fourth-generation Apple Watch Ultra.

   Why it matters

   Apple typically releases a baseline model alongside its Pro versions every year. The absence of a standard iPhone 18 suggests a shift in product strategy or a delay in the budget-friendly hardware cycle.

   What is confirmed

   • Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
   • The iPhone Duo is Apple's first foldable iPhone.
   • iPhone 18 Pro models launch in stores on September 18.
   • Pre-orders for iPhone 18 Pro models start September 12 at 5 a.m. Pacific Time.
   • The iPhone Duo launches in October.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A base model iPhone 18 may arrive next year.
   • The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199.

   What to watch next

   • Official confirmation or denial of a 2027 base model release
   • Detailed pricing for the iPhone Duo
   • Customer reception of the Pro-only lineup
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. www.macrumors.com — iPhone 18 Pro Launching on September 18 With These 10 New Features
   2. www.popularmechanics.com — Wait, What Happened to the iPhone 18?
   3. www.macrumors.com — iPhone Duo
   4. www.wired.com — Which iPhone 18 Model Should You Buy?
   5. uk.pcmag.com — Want a New iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone Duo? Here's How Much They Cost With Apple Upgrade
   confidence 95%
4. 45d ago

   Apple launches iPhone 18 Pro models and iPhone Duo; standard model absent

   Apple officially unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a foldable iPhone Duo at its Surprise and Shine event on September 9. The company did not introduce a base model iPhone 18, which sources suggest may arrive next year. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 and launches on September 18. Other announcements included the Apple Watch Series 12 and a fourth-generation Apple Watch Ultra. The absence of a standard baseline model marks a departure from Apple's typical annual release cycle.

   Why it matters

   Apple usually releases both Pro and standard iPhone models every September. The decision to omit the base model this year creates a gap in the entry-level flagship market. This shift occurs alongside the introduction of the first foldable iPhone.

   What is confirmed

   • Apple announced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at its Surprise and Shine event on September 9.
   • The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 and launches on September 18.
   • Apple introduced a foldable device called the iPhone Duo.
   • No base model iPhone 18 was announced during the September 9 event.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The iPhone 18 Pro models feature a smaller Dynamic Island and an A20 Pro chip.
   • The iPhone 18 Pro models cost $200 to $300 more than iPhone 17 Pro models.
   • Apple potentially unveiled AirPods 5 at the event.
   • The baseline iPhone 18 will be released next year.

   What to watch next

   • Official confirmation of a release date for the standard iPhone 18
   • Apple's official technical specifications for the iPhone Duo foldable
   Sources used for this update (10)

   1. www.macrumors.com — iPhone 18 Pro: Release Date and Pre-Orders
   2. www.macrumors.com — What NOT to Expect at Apple's 'Surprise and Shine' September 9 Event
   3. www.macrumors.com — Apple to Unveil iPhone 18 Pro Tomorrow With These 12 New Features
   4. www.theverge.com — Here’s how the new iPhone 18 Pro stacks up to the last-gen models
   5. www.cnet.com — Where’s the iPhone 18? Here’s Why Apple Didn’t Reveal a New Standard iPhone
   6. lifehacker.com — Where’s the iPhone 18?
   7. lifehacker.com — Apple Just Announced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
   8. www.cnet.com — Apple iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Are Official: $1,199, Fancy Cameras and More
   9. 9to5mac.com — No iPhone 18 announced today: Here’s why
   10. www.digit.in — Apple September 9 event: 4 products that may not launch today
   confidence 95%
5. 47d ago

   Apple to unveil iPhone 18 Pro and other hardware on September 9

   Apple will host a product launch event on September 9 featuring the iPhone 18 Pro. While WIRED reports the standard iPhone 18 might be absent from the lineup, other sources expect the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The event marks the debut keynote for CEO John Ternus and is expected to include a foldable iPhone and Apple Watch updates. Pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro are scheduled for September 12, with official sales beginning September 18 and the release of iOS 27.

   Why it matters

   This event represents a shift in leadership as John Ternus takes the stage as CEO. The potential omission of a base-model iPhone 18 would be a first for the company. This launch comes amid speculation regarding the introduction of an Ultra model and foldable technology.

   What is confirmed

   • Apple has a product launch event scheduled for September 9.
   • The September 9 event will feature the iPhone 18 Pro.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The event is titled Surprise and Shine.

   What to watch next

   • The official September 9 keynote presentation
   • Confirmation of the full iPhone 18 lineup
   • Official announcement of iOS 27 release dates
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. news.abplive.com — iPhone 18 Launch Set For September 9. But There Are More Key Dates For Apple You Should Know
   2. blockonomi.com — Apple (AAPL) September 9 Product Launch: Everything Expected from John Ternus’s Debut Keynote
   3. www.macworld.com — Intego ONE now protects your iPhone too – and there’s 50% off in September
   4. in.mashable.com — How to Watch Apple iPhone 18 Pro And iPhone Ultra Launch Event Live On September 9?
   5. www.wired.me — There May Not Be an iPhone 18 This Year
   confidence 80%
6. 48d ago

   Apple holds September 9 launch event amid iPhone 18 uncertainty

   Apple has scheduled a product launch event for September 9, though reports conflict on whether the iPhone 18 will be part of the release. Some sources anticipate the iPhone 18 and its Pro models, while WIRED suggests the device may not be released this year. Other reports indicate Apple plans its largest-ever slate of new products to begin the Ternus era. The discrepancy leaves it unclear if the upcoming event will focus on the iPhone 18 or a different set of hardware updates.

   Why it matters

   Apple typically releases new iPhone models annually in September. A shift in the release cycle or a change in product naming would mark a departure from the company's established hardware cadence.

   What is confirmed

   • Apple has a launch event scheduled for September 9.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Apple will launch its biggest-ever slate of new products to start the Ternus era.

   What to watch next

   • Confirmation of the iPhone 18 model name and specifications.
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. Bloomberg.com — Apple to Kick Off Ternus Era With Its Biggest-Ever Slate of New Products
   2. The Verge — What to expect at Apple’s September 9th launch event
   3. Fast Company — What to expect at Apple’s iPhone 18 launch event on Wednesday
   4. The Washington Post — The best time to buy an iPhone may be right this minute
   5. CNET — Apple Is Full of Surprises. Here's What CNET Readers Anticipate Ahead of Wednesday's Event
   6. Forbes — How Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro Will Change Smartphones Forever
   7. WIRED — There May Not Be an iPhone 18 This Year
   8. www.cultofmac.com — iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max rumors: What we know about Apple’s next flagship models [Updated]
   confidence 60%