Image: Emma Rowley / Foundry
Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Macworld reports that Apple is breaking tradition by delaying the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e launch until spring 2027, creating an unprecedented 18-month sales cycle.
- Both models will feature the new 2nm A20 processor and Apple’s C2 cellular modem, with the iPhone 18e receiving significant display upgrades including Dynamic Island.
- Expected pricing starts at $849-$899 for iPhone 18 and $649-$699 for iPhone 18e, reflecting industry-wide price increases due to chip shortages.
For years, Apple has followed a predictable iPhone launch schedule, introducing new iPhones in September – the standard model and the Pro model. In the spring, Apple often releases a less expensive phone – previously the “SE” iPhones and, more recently, the “e” series.
That could change with the iPhone 18 generation. This year, the most reliable rumors suggest Apple will introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in the fall, along with a more expensive iPhone Ultra folding phone, but the iPhone 18 might not join them until later.
So what can we expect from the iPhone 18 and 18e? Rumors are pretty thin right now, in part because most of the exciting new stuff will come with the Pro and Ultra models in the fall of 2026.
Below is a summary of what we’ve heard so far about the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e, based on the most recent and reliable rumors, analyst reports, and leaks, along with historical precedent.
When will the iPhone 18 and 18e release?
- iPhone 18 delayed until the spring
- iPhone 18e launching in spring 2027
While Apple has launched its standard and high-end iPhone models together ever since the first Pro phone arrived in 2019, this year looks to be different. While the Pro phones will launch in the fall, Apple is expected to push the iPhone 18 launch to the spring of 2027, leaving it on shelves for a full 18 months for the first time.
So if you bought an iPhone 17 at launch and are looking to upgrade, you’ll either need to spring for an iPhone 18 Pro or wait until March or April when Apple likely holds a second iPhone event.
We also expect Apple to release the iPhone 18e at the same time.
What specs will the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e have?
- A20 processor
- 9GB RAM
- C2 modem
While the iPhone 18 Pro and Ultra will almost certainly use a new A20 Pro chip, a less powerful version is going to be at the heart of the iPhone 18 and 18e. The A20 processor should be made on a 2nm process by TSMC, the same as the A20 Pro.
We expect a 6-core CPU similar to that found in the A19, only a bit faster. The GPU will probably contain 5 cores, with a core possibly disabled in the iPhone 18e. As with the A20 Pro, we think one of the biggest performance upgrades may be the Neural Engine—AI is so important to the whole tech industry now, including Apple, and it will lean into performance there.
RAM will be a bit tricky. The A20 Pro is likely to have 12GB of RAM, but the A20 will probably have less. Both the amount of RAM and memory bandwidth are extremely important for running advanced AI models, so we can see why Apple would want all their new phones to have more RAM. On the other hand, a global shortage caused by the growth of AI data centers has made RAM extremely costly.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo thinks the iPhone 18 and 18e will get 9GB of RAM (6 chips at 1.5GB each). It’s an odd configuration, and might mean that some AI features just aren’t available on those phones. It would be especially crippling for supporting advanced features in future iOS releases. RAM prices being what they are, Apple may decide to go with a 9GB configuration anyway.
Elsewhere, we expect the iPhone 18 and 18e to adopt the upcoming C2 cellular modem from Apple. It may or not may not support mmWave in the U.S., but expect better 5G connections and power efficiency, as well as the potential for satellite connectivity. For Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, there is little need for Apple to move beyond the N1 chip, which supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.
Will the iPhone 18 and 18e’s cameras be improved?
David Price / Foundry
- 24MP selfie cams
- Single camera on the 18e
- Revised Camera Control button
Prior to the iPhone 17 generation’s launch, there was a rumor that the front-facing camera might get a boost to 24 megapixels. While that never happened, it has resurfaced this year for the iPhone 18 line. The current rumor from Wiebo reports and others, is that the entire iPhone 18 line, including the Ultra and Air 2, will feature 24 megapixel selfie cameras.
As for the rear cameras, there hasn’t been much info yet. It’s pretty safe to assume a 48MP wide camera on both phones, with an additional 48MP ultrawide on the iPhone 18.
The Camera Control button on iPhone 18 is said to be simpler, featuring only pressure sensitivity and not capacitive sensors, according to Weibo account Instant Digital. The iPhone 18e is not likely to have a Camera Control button.
Will the iPhone 18e get a display upgrade?
David Price / Foundry
- Dynamic Island on iPhone 18e
- Same display for iPhone 18
The iPhone 18 will likely feature the same display as that on the iPhone 17, with a max brightness of 1,000 nits (SDR), peak of up to 1,600 nits (HDR), and a boost up to 3,000 nits outdoors.
However, we expect the iPhone 18e to get an upgraded display—the iPhone 17e display is rather old and not very bright by modern standards, and it only has the notch cutout, not the Dynamic Island. The iPhone 18e should get a newer display with Dynamic Island. Probably on par with the iPhone 15, which featured a max outdoor brightness of 2,000 nits.
How much will the iPhone 18 and 18e cost?
Everything in the world of tech has gotten more expensive, thanks to chip shortages spurred on by an endless need to build more, bigger AI data centers. Apple recently raised its prices for nearly all Macs and iPads, and even aging hardware like HomePod and Apple TV. iPhone was spared, but we expect the new iPhones this fall to carry prices at least $50-100 higher than they have in the past. And that’s likely to carry forward to the spring releases, too.
That means the iPhone 18 could start at $849 or $899, and the iPhone 18e could start at $649 or $699. However, as these are Apple’s budget models, it’s possible that Apple raises prices on the Pro models but keeps the iPhone 18 and 18e at their current levels.