iPhone 18Explainer
iPhone 18 release date: the Pro models are out, the regular iPhone 18 isn't
2 min
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- iOS
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iPhone 18 and iPhone 18eRelease date, price, specs and rumors
Every claim about the regular iPhone 18 and the iPhone 18e in one place: what Apple has confirmed, credible reports and leaks on the release date, price, chip, memory, display and modem, each labeled and dated.
Updated · 9 confirmed · 13 reported · 11 rumors
When we could hear more
19 daysApple quarterly results
- Announced?Confirmed No. Apple announced the iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max and the foldable iPhone Duo in September 2026. A regular iPhone 18 and an iPhone 18e are not announced.
- Release dateReported Not set. Analysts, suppliers and news reports point to spring 2027, most often March or April.
- PriceRumor Not set. Apple raised the iPhone 17 to $899 and the 17e to $699 in September, so few expect the new models to cost less.
- ChipReported A 2nm A20, a step below the A20 Pro in the 18 Pro. Leaks say it is cut down; details are unconfirmed.
- Memory and AIReported Apple’s top on-device AI model runs only on iPhones reported to have 12GB, not on the 8GB iPhone 17. Analysts are split: 9GB or 12GB for the iPhone 18, 9GB for the 18e.
- DisplayRumor 120Hz expected, as on the iPhone 17, with a smaller Dynamic Island. One leaker says the 18e stays at 60Hz.
- ModemReported An Apple-made modem is expected. Apple’s own C2 is already in the 18 Pro and the Duo.
- Confirmed The company said it, or a store or rating board lists it
- Reported A credible trace: supply chain, filings, code or benchmarks; not confirmed
- Rumor A leak or a claim nobody has confirmed
Confirmed so far
Only what the company has said, filed or listed.
- Apple announced the iPhone 17 at $799 with the A19 chip, a 6.3-inch 120Hz ProMotion display and 256GB of base storage.Apple press release
- Apple announced the iPhone 17e at $599 with the A19 chip and Apple’s own C1X modem. It went on sale March 11.Apple press release
- Tim Cook, then Apple’s CEO, said price increases are “unavoidable” because memory chip costs are soaring. He named no products and no timing.Apple’s CEO in an on-record newspaper interview
- Apple announced the iPhone 18 Pro ($1,199) and iPhone 18 Pro Max ($1,299) with the A20 Pro chip and a smaller Dynamic Island; the 18 Pro has Apple’s new C2 modem. Both went on sale Sept. 18. No regular iPhone 18 was announced.Apple press release
- Apple announced its first foldable, the iPhone Duo, at $1,999 with the A20 Pro and the C2 modem. Pre-orders open Oct. 16 and sales start Oct. 23.Apple press release
- Apple raised US prices of its older iPhones by $100: the iPhone 17 now starts at $899, the iPhone 17e at $699, the iPhone Air at $1,099 and the iPhone 16 at $799.Apple’s US online store
- Apple said its most capable on-device AI model, with expressive Siri voices and better dictation, runs on the iPhone Duo, 18 Pro, Air and 17 Pro, and on iPads and Macs with at least 12GB of memory. The iPhone 17 and 17e are not on the list.Apple Newsroom update
- Apple set its next quarterly results for Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, with a call at 2 p.m. PT.Apple investor relations notice
- Apple’s US store lists the iPhone Duo, 18 Pro, Air, 17, 17e and 16. There is no regular iPhone 18 and no iPhone 18e.Apple’s US online store
Rumors and reports
Not confirmed. Each line shows where the claim comes from, when it first appeared and where it stands today.
Release date
- ReportedApple will launch the Pro models and a foldable in fall 2026 and hold the standard iPhone 18 until spring 2027.a tech business report citing people familiar with the plans · first seen May 2025Holding Partly right: on Sept. 9, 2026, Apple announced the Pro models and the foldable, but not the new thin model the report also expected that fall.
- ReportedThe iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e will come in the first half of 2027, after the Pro models launch in the second half of 2026.a supply chain analyst · first seen May 5, 2025Holding
- ReportedComponent makers were told the base iPhone 18 and the 18e move to the first half of 2027.a Korean trade newspaper citing industry officials · first seen Aug 2025Holding
- ReportedApple plans to unveil the iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and a second iPhone Air together in spring 2027.a business news report citing people familiar with the plans · first seen Apr 7, 2026Holding
- ReportedA major US customer of an iPhone lens maker pushed a new model’s launch to the first quarter of 2027.a camera-lens supplier’s chairman at its shareholder meeting (customer not named) · first seen Jun 15, 2026Holding
- ReportedAn iPhone assembler said a customer is changing its usual phone shipment schedule, read as the base iPhone 18 moving to the first quarter of 2027.an assembly partner’s earnings call, as reported by local business press · first seen Aug 12, 2026Holding
- ReportedCode in an iOS 27 beta lists internal IDs (V67 and V69) matched to an unreleased iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e.code in an iOS beta · first seen Aug 11, 2026Holding The IDs are real; the model names are inferred.
- RumorMass production of the standard iPhone 18 starts in late November 2026 in large volume.a hardware leaker with a mixed track record · first seen Oct 14, 2026Holding
Price
- RumorApple will cut some iPhone 18 parts to keep its price the same instead of raising it.a hardware leaker with a mixed track record · first seen Apr 22, 2026Holding Apple raised the iPhone 17 from $799 to $899 on Sept. 9, 2026, so a flat price would now mean $899.
Design
- RumorThe iPhone 18 lineup will look much like the iPhone 17; the focus will be the 2nm chip.a hardware leaker with a mixed track record · first seen Feb 3, 2026Holding
- RumorThe iPhone 18 and 18e share some parts that can be swapped between them, narrowing the gap between the two.a hardware leaker with a mixed track record · first seen May 5, 2026Holding
Display
- RumorThe whole iPhone 18 series gets a smaller Dynamic Island with the same bezels.a well-known display leaker · first seen Mar 27, 2026Holding Apple did ship a smaller Dynamic Island on the 18 Pro. The base model is unconfirmed; an analyst repeated the claim on Aug. 13, 2026.
- RumorThe iPhone 18 screen will be much brighter, and one panel maker struggles to meet Apple’s demands.a hardware leaker with a fair track record · first seen Jan 21, 2026Holding Conflicts with the April 2026 claim of a display downgrade.
- RumorThe iPhone 18 display specs will be downgraded to cut costs.a hardware leaker with a mixed track record · first seen Apr 22, 2026Holding Conflicts with the January 2026 claim of a brighter display.
- RumorThe iPhone 18e keeps the iPhone 17e’s 6.1-inch 60Hz screen, with no ProMotion or Always-On.a prolific hardware leaker · first seen Jun 2026Holding
Specs
- RumorThe iPhone 18 chip will be cut back to save costs and may get a new name to hide it.a hardware leaker with a mixed track record · first seen Apr 22, 2026Holding
- RumorThe standard A20 lacks the Pro chip’s new packaging, keeps a 5-core GPU and has a smaller die than the A19.a little-known leaker posting a chip diagram, who says it is unconfirmed · first seen Oct 1, 2026Holding
- ReportedThe base iPhone 18 gets 12GB of RAM, up from 8GB, with no price rise.a Korean report, repeated in a brokerage analyst note in June 2026 · first seen Oct 2025Holding Conflicts with a June 26 analyst claim of 9GB.
- ReportedBoth the iPhone 18 and 18e use the A20 chip with 9GB of RAM.a supply chain analyst · first seen Jun 26, 2026Holding 9GB would miss Apple’s 12GB bar for its top on-device AI model.
- ReportedThe iPhone 18 gets 12GB of RAM and the iPhone 18e gets 9GB, both with the A20.a supply chain analyst · first seen Aug 13, 2026Holding Agrees on 9GB for the 18e; disagrees on the base model.
- ReportedEvery iPhone released in 2027, which would include the iPhone 18 and 18e, will use Apple’s own modem.a business news reporter’s newsletter · first seen Sep 27, 2026Holding Apple’s own C2 is in the 18 Pro and Duo; a teardown found a Qualcomm modem in the US 18 Pro Max.
Camera
- ReportedThe whole iPhone 18 lineup gets a 24MP front camera, while the 18e keeps 12MP.an investment bank research note · first seen Nov 2025Changed The 18 Pro shipped with an 18MP front camera, so the lineup-wide claim failed for the fall models.
- ReportedThe standard iPhone 18’s Camera Control loses touch sensitivity and haptic feedback, leaving a pressure-only button.a tech business report citing people familiar with the plans · first seen Dec 16, 2025Holding A leaker made a similar cost-cutting claim in August 2025.
Name
- RumorApple is exploring letting the iPhone Air 2 take over the iPhone 18 name and a $999 price.a new social media account with no track record · first seen Sep 8, 2026Holding Weak; over a year of reports describe three separate spring models.
iPhone 18 vs iPhone 18e vs iPhone 17
iPhone 17 specs are official. iPhone 18 and 18e lines are reports or rumors.
| iPhone 17 (on sale) | iPhone 18 (rumored) | iPhone 18e (rumored) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release | Official: Sept. 19, 2025 | Reported: spring 2027 | Reported: spring 2027 |
| Price (US) | Official: $899 since Sept. 2026 (launched at $799) | Not known; the iPhone 17 costs $899 | Not known; the iPhone 17e costs $699 |
| Chip | Official: A19 (6-core CPU, 5-core GPU) | Reported: A20 on 2nm; one unconfirmed leak says a 5-core GPU | Reported: A20 |
| Memory | Reported: 8GB | Reported: 9GB or 12GB; analysts split | Reported: 9GB |
| Display | Official: 6.3-inch, 120Hz ProMotion, Always-On, Dynamic Island | Expected: 120Hz, as on the iPhone 17. Rumor: smaller Dynamic Island; leaks split on brightness | Rumor: 6.1-inch, 60Hz, no Always-On |
| Cameras | Official: 48MP main and 48MP ultra wide; 18MP front | Reported: Camera Control without touch or haptics; few other leaks | Reported: 12MP front camera |
| Modem | Not named by Apple | Reported: Apple’s own modem | Reported: Apple’s own modem |
| Storage | Official: 256GB or 512GB | No credible leak yet | No credible leak yet |
Our stories
Nothing for this device yet.
iPhone 18 FAQ
When does the iPhone 18 come out?
Reported Apple hasn’t said. Analysts, suppliers and news reports point to spring 2027, most often March or April.
Why is there no regular iPhone 18 yet?
Reported On Sept. 9, 2026, Apple announced only the iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max and the foldable iPhone Duo. Reports say the regular model moved to spring to spread launches across the year.
When is the iPhone 18e release date?
Reported Not announced. Reports expect it alongside the iPhone 18 in spring 2027.
How much will the iPhone 18 cost?
Rumor Unknown. Apple raised the iPhone 17 to $899 and the 17e to $699 in September 2026, so don’t expect the new models to cost less.
What chip will the iPhone 18 have?
Reported Analysts expect a 2nm A20, a step below the A20 Pro in the iPhone 18 Pro. Leaks say it is cut down; details are unconfirmed.
Will the iPhone 18 have 120Hz?
Rumor Very likely: the iPhone 17 already has 120Hz ProMotion. One leaker says the 18e stays at 60Hz.
What design changes are coming?
Rumor Few. Leaks point to an iPhone 17-like body, a smaller Dynamic Island and a simpler Camera Control button.
iPhone 18 vs iPhone 17: what's the difference?
Rumor The expected gains are the A20 chip, more memory (9GB or 12GB), an Apple-made modem and a smaller Dynamic Island. None of them is confirmed.
Will the iPhone 18 get Apple's best on-device AI?
Reported Probably only with 12GB of memory: every iPhone Apple lists for its top on-device model is reported to have 12GB. Analysts are split between 9GB and 12GB.
Should I buy an iPhone 17 or 17e now or wait?
Rumor If your phone works, waiting about six months gets you the new chip, likely at the same or a higher price. If you need a phone now, the iPhone 17 and 17e are current models with no announced replacement.
Timeline
- May 5, 2025Reported A supply chain analyst lays out a split roadmap: iPhone 18 and 18e in the first half of 2027.
- Sep 9, 2025Confirmed Apple announces the iPhone 17 at $799.
- Dec 16, 2025Reported A report says the base iPhone 18 gets a pressure-only Camera Control.
- Mar 2, 2026Confirmed Apple announces the iPhone 17e at $599.
- Apr 7, 2026Reported A business news report says the iPhone 18, 18e and iPhone Air 2 arrive together in spring 2027.
- Apr 22, 2026Rumor A leaker claims Apple will cut iPhone 18 display and chip specs to hold its price.
- Jun 15, 2026Reported Apple’s main lens supplier says a big US customer moved a launch to early 2027.
- Jun 17, 2026Confirmed Tim Cook, then Apple’s CEO, says price increases are unavoidable because of memory costs.
- Jun 26, 2026Reported A supply chain analyst says the iPhone 18 and 18e get the A20 and 9GB of RAM.
- Aug 11, 2026Reported Code in an iOS 27 beta lists IDs matched to the iPhone 18 and 18e.
- Aug 12, 2026Reported An iPhone assembler hints at a changed shipment schedule, read as the base model slipping to early 2027.
- Aug 13, 2026Reported Another analyst says 12GB for the iPhone 18 and 9GB for the 18e.
- Sep 9, 2026Confirmed Apple announces the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and iPhone Duo, with no regular iPhone 18, and raises the iPhone 17 to $899.
- Sep 14, 2026Confirmed Apple adds the iPhone Duo and 18 Pro to the devices that run its top on-device AI model; the iPhone 17 and 17e are not on the list.
- Sep 27, 2026Reported A business news reporter expects every 2027 iPhone to use Apple’s own modem.
- Oct 1, 2026Rumor A leaked chip diagram suggests the standard A20 is simpler than the A20 Pro.
- Oct 14, 2026Rumor A leaker says base iPhone 18 production starts in late November.
- Oct 23, 2026 · aheadConfirmed iPhone Duo goes on sale
- Nov 2, 2026 · aheadApple quarterly results
Keep exploring
Change log: every check and update (2)
- Tracker opened: 9 confirmed facts and 24 rumors and reports, each labeled and dated.
- Checked Apple’s newsroom, its US store and the iPhone 18 Pro spec page: no regular iPhone 18 or iPhone 18e, no date and no price.