In Brief
- Anticipation surrounds up to five upcoming models, including Apple’s inaugural foldable device.
- Premium models are likely to be unveiled in September 2026.
- The standard iPhone 18 may hit the market in Spring 2027.
Despite the recent launch of the iPhone 17 series, excitement for Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 is rapidly growing.
Although the iPhone 18 remains in the distant future, early insights and speculation from trusted analysts like Mark Gurman and Ming-Chi Kuo have sparked interest, especially following a revelation from a competitive brand indicating the arrival of a foldable iPhone.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the iPhone 18 series, including expected release timelines, pricing, and potential specifications.
Release Timeline for the iPhone 18
In Summary
- The first models of iPhone 18 are set for release in September
- Launch dates may vary, with high-end models released first
- More affordable versions may debut in Spring
Following Apple’s historical release pattern, the iPhone 18 series is expected to debut in September 2026.
Here’s a recap of prior iPhone announcement dates:
- iPhone 17: 9 September 2025
- iPhone 16: 9 September 2024
- iPhone 15: 12 September 2023
- iPhone 14: 7 September 2022
- iPhone 13: 14 September 2021
- iPhone 12: 13 October 2020 (postponed due to Covid)
Typically, pre-orders become available the Friday after the announcement, followed by shipping a week later.
However, there may be changes in 2026. Speculation indicates that Apple could stagger the releases of the iPhone 18 models.
In this scenario, the high-end versions—likely the anticipated foldable iPhone along with the Pro and Pro Max—would debut in September, while the standard iPhone 18 and the 18e may launch in Spring 2027.
Source: MacRumors
Pricing for the iPhone 18
In Summary
- Current pricing information is speculative
- Costs are expected to align with iPhone 16 and 17 pricing
- The foldable version’s price remains highly uncertain
Apple maintained similar starting prices for the iPhone 17, with only the Pro model seeing a slight increase:
- iPhone 17 (256GB) – £799/$799
- iPhone Air (256GB) – £999/$999
- iPhone 17 Pro (256GB) – £1,099/$1,099
- iPhone 17 Pro Max (256GB) – £1,199/$1,199
Here are the iPhone 16 prices for comparison:
- iPhone 16 (128GB) – £799/$799
- iPhone 16 Plus (128GB) – £899/$899
- iPhone 16 Pro (128GB) – £999/$999
- iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB) – £1,199/$1,199
Pricing for 2026 may be influenced by tariff changes. However, we expect the prices for the iPhone 17, Pro, and Pro Max models to remain consistent.
Regarding the much-anticipated foldable iPhone, estimates suggest a starting price ranging between $1,999 and $2,299, positioning it similarly or at a higher price point than the  Samsung Z Fold 7, which starts at $1,999 in the US and £1,799 in the UK.
No international prices have been confirmed as of yet.
Source: MacRumors
Models in the iPhone 18 Lineup
In Summary
- A standard model, Pro, and Pro Max appear guaranteed
- The potential for an annual update on the Air model remains uncertain
- iPhone 18e expected to launch later
- A foldable option seems likely
As for the models set to launch, the basic iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Pro, and Pro Max are all but confirmed. Yet, availability of all these models from September 2026 is still uncertain. It’s feasible that only the Pro and Pro Max will be released at that time, with the base iPhone 18 and its 18e counterpart debuting in Spring.
There’s also the matter of the Air model. The iPhone Air, which premiered in September 2025, was simply dubbed ‘Air’, hinting that this could be a one-off or infrequent update.
Experts believe the Air model served as a prototype that laid the groundwork for Apple’s foldable design. Thus, its update frequency—and perhaps its future—will depend on sales performance.
Nevertheless, the arrival of a foldable iPhone seems increasingly probable. Statements from Samsung Display’s president, Lee Cheon, suggest preparations are underway to produce OLED panels for a foldable device for a North American client, with mass production kicking off in mid-2026.
As Samsung Display supplies OLED panels exclusively to Apple, this development indicates the foldable iPhone will indeed materialize next year.
Sources: ChosunBiz
Expected Specs and Features of the iPhone 18
- The iPhone Air potentially serves as a precursor to the foldable technology
- Current details are highly speculative
While the iPhone 18 series remains under development, various leaks and rumors hint at anticipated features.
Design Elements
In the design department, there were unexpected changes for the iPhone 18 models, notably with the Pro and Pro Max versions. The updated aesthetics seem to have boosted sales figures, so a complete redesign within a year is unlikely. Instead, minor tweaks and new color options are highly anticipated.
The focal point will be the design of the foldable model. Insights suggest it could reflect two iPhone Air models hinged together, creating one expansive display.
Apple
Expect robust materials for construction, such as ceramics and titanium, while Apple might explore alternatives to anodized coatings on the aluminum models for enhanced scratch resistance.
Display Innovations
Apple has a history of improving its display technologies, and the iPhone 18 series is poised to follow suit.
While specific sizes and resolutions are not yet detailed, advancements in ProMotion technology and maximum brightness levels are anticipated.
Apple
The Pro models could feature an upgraded 120Hz refresh rate and more energy-efficient OLED panels.
Performance Enhancements
It’s likely that more models within the iPhone 18 lineup will incorporate Apple’s second-generation 5G modem.
After extensive development, Apple’s first 5G modem, termed C1, was introduced in the iPhone 16e. Its successor, C1X, is currently only seen in the Air model, making its appearance in the foldable and possibly the Pro models quite likely.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Speculation also indicates that all iPhone 18 models may be powered by Apple’s forthcoming A20 chip, while the Pro variants could leverage a specialized A20 Pro edition. This advance will likely employ TSMC’s new 2nm process, known as N2, enhancing performance by up to 15% and power efficiency by 30% over the A19 chip found in the iPhone 17 series.
Camera Upgrades
Apple has always pushed the envelope with camera technology, and the iPhone 18 Pro models are rumoured to feature variable aperture capabilities on their primary camera.
This would empower users to Customize light intake, leading to improved depth-of-field control and better performance in low-light settings.
Apple
Samsung is reportedly developing a cutting-edge three-layer stacked camera sensor named ‘PD-TR-Logic’ for the iPhone 18 series.
This innovative sensor aims to enhance camera responsiveness while also addressing photo noise, dynamic range, and more.
While the Pro models are expected to receive the most significant camera advancements, the standard iPhone 18 might also benefit from some of this new technology.
Battery and Charging Features
Details regarding battery specifications and charging speeds for the iPhone 18 series remain limited.
Nevertheless, Apple’s commitment to enhancing battery life and efficiency indicates that users can expect continued improvements in this area.
Chris Martin / Foundry
In response to increasing competition in fast charging, the iPhone 18 series could also support enhanced wired and MagSafe charging solutions.
Software Enhancements
The iPhone 18 series will likely run iOS 27, featuring new capabilities tailored to leverage the enhanced hardware.
Apple typically introduces innovations in usability, security, and artificial intelligence with each new iOS iteration, and the iPhone 18 series will display a showcase of these advancements.
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Sources: Mark Gurman | DigiTimes | Ming-Chi Kuo | 9to5Mac | Apple Magazine
This overview encapsulates our current knowledge about the iPhone 18 series. Stay tuned for further updates on the anticipated foldable iPhone, along with our recommendations compiled in our guide to the best smartphones currently available.
