Apple fans waiting for the iPhone 18 have some disappointing news. Reports suggest that the iPhone 18 will not launch in 2026 as expected, but may arrive in 2027 instead. According to leaks, trial production for the iPhone 18 is likely to begin in early 2026. This means the base model of the next-generation iPhone series could launch after the Pro models, rather than at the same time.
iPhone 18 series may launch in two phases
This time, Apple might change its usual launch strategy. The iPhone 18 series could be introduced in two phases. The iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to launch in September 2026, alongside Apple’s first foldable phone. The base iPhone 18, however, could be released in early 2027.
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Tipster Fixed Focus Digital shared on Weibo that the trial production of the iPhone 18 will start only after the Chinese New Year, which usually ends in late February. Once factories in China resume normal operations, large-scale production of new projects will begin. This delay has strengthened earlier rumours suggesting that the standard iPhone 18 will not be available until 2027.
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In addition to the base iPhone 18, Apple may also launch the iPhone 18e and the next-generation iPhone Air along with it. Meanwhile, sources claim that production lines for the iPhone 18 Pro are already set up, indicating that the Pro hardware design has been finalised. Reports also suggest that the Pro models may feature fewer hardware upgrades than expected, which is why these models could arrive in September 2026, with the base model following later in early 2027.
Apple fans will need to wait a little longer for the standard iPhone 18, while the Pro models and possibly a foldable iPhone could make their debut next year. With this new launch strategy, Apple seems to be testing a phased rollout, giving priority to Pro models and high-end devices first, while the base model takes a slightly longer time to reach the market.