Apple is reportedly planning to delay the launch of its base iPhone 18 model until spring 2027. With this, the Cupertino-based tech giant may be breaking more than a decade of fall releases for its mainline iPhone lineup. The company may reveal its first foldable iPhone at the fall event, and the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are anticipated to be released in September 2026 as planned. The iPhone 17 would remain the most recent standard model for more than 18 months, marking the first time Apple has gone an entire calendar year without releasing a new generation of its flagship non-Pro iPhone. The iPhone 17 debuted in September 2025.
The reported shift stems from Apple’s expanding product lineup, which now includes the iPhone 16e and iPhone Air introduced last year, as well as the rumoured foldable iPhone in 2026. With continued sales of the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, at least eight iPhone models could be available by the end of 2026. However, the rumour mill has already begun circulating leaks about the base iPhone 18 model. Here’s what we know about the upcoming iPhone 18 model
iPhone 18 may launch in 2027: What to expect
According to a MacRumors report, since the lower-cost iPhone models won’t be Apple’s focus in the fall of 2026, only limited information is available beyond their current development status. Apple may not release iPhone 18 and other more affordable models until spring 2027. The standard iPhone 18 model is not expected to feature design changes, with Apple instead focusing on the updated A20 chip.
The iPhone 18 models could feature a simplified ‘Camera Control’ button without a capacitive sensor, reducing costs.
The current Camera Control button uses both capacitive and pressure sensors to detect touch gestures and pressure levels, but the next-generation version could eliminate the capacitive sensing layer. Pressure sensing would instead be used for all ‘Camera Control’ functions and may remain available for all button functions.
The base iPhone 18 could be upgraded to 12GB of RAM in 2026, with all iPhone 18 models (including the iPhone Fold) featuring 12GB of RAM, the report adds. All iPhone 18 models may also include a 24MP front-facing camera, up from 18MP.
The iPhone 18 is also expected to feature an improved display, and Apple is reportedly setting notably high brightness requirements, which at least one supplier is struggling to meet.
