The U.S. tech giant could shift its strategy for the 18 lineup by positioning the standard model closer to the budget-friendly 18e rather than narrowing the gap with the Pro models as in previous generations, MacRumors reported, citing a leaker known as "Fixed Focus Digital."

The move would help Apple maintain a lower price for the base model amid rising costs for chips and memory, while also reshaping the product hierarchy across its iPhone range.

The leaker said Apple may downgrade the 18’s chipset by reducing the number of CPU cores in the standard model while keeping it on the same chip generation as the Pro versions, and could also use slower memory.

They added that it is "highly probable" that Apple will tweak the name of the device’s chip in an effort to disguise the extent of the downgrade.

Another possible downgrade involves the display, with the manufacturing process itself said to be "taking a step backward."

iPhone 17 Pro Max (orange) and iPhone 17 Pro. Photo by VnExpress/Tuan Hung

Last year’s base 17 features a 6.3-inch display with ProMotion support and up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness. It is unlikely that Apple would reduce the refresh rate, leaving lower brightness as the most likely downgrade for the 18.

If the rumor proves accurate, the 18 would have a weaker display than its predecessor. Newer display panels typically deliver higher brightness efficiency and consume less power at the same brightness level. This could also reduce the performance advantage of the A20 chip if it is used in the 18.

The leaker also claimed that the downgrades to the standard model are confirmed, with the 18 and 18e expected to enter Engineering Validation Testing in June, according to PhoneArena.

While it remains unclear how accurate the claims are, the leaker has built a strong track record with previous reports about the 17e. They predicted this year’s budget model would retain the notch, while other sources had reported an upgrade to Dynamic Island.

Apple’s iPhone launch schedule this year may also see major changes. The company is expected to unveil the 18 Pro, Pro Max and the foldable "iPhone Ultra." The in September, while the standard 18, 18e and iPhone Air 2 could be pushed back to spring 2027.