iPhone 18 Delay: Base Model Pushed to 2027

New Delhi, December 24, 2025: In a move that would fundamentally reshape the tech industry’s annual calendar, Apple is reportedly planning to break its 14-year tradition of a unified September iPhone launch. Recent leaks from supply chain insiders and manufacturing trial schedules suggest that while the high-end iPhone 18 Pro models will arrive in late 2026, the standard iPhone 18 may be delayed until early 2027.

If these reports hold, the smartphone market is about to enter a new era of “staggered” releases.

The “Split-Launch” Strategy

Since the iPhone 4s in 2011, Apple has consistently debuted its entire flagship lineup in the fall. However, industry analysts, including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and reputable tipsters on Weibo, indicate that Apple is pivoting toward a two-phase rollout:

• Phase 1 (September 2026): Focus on the “Premium” segment. This window is expected to feature the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple’s highly anticipated first entry into the foldable market, the iPhone Fold.
• Phase 2 (Spring 2027): Focus on the “Mass Market.” This window—likely around March—would see the launch of the base iPhone 18, the budget-conscious iPhone 18e, and the ultra-slim iPhone Air 2.

Why the Delay?

The decision to push back the base model isn’t just about production speed; it’s a calculated business move.

1. Spotlight on Innovation: By removing the cheaper base models from the September event, Apple ensures its most expensive and innovative products—like the $2,000+ iPhone Fold—get undivided attention from media and consumers during the holiday season.
2. Supply Chain Relief: Producing four to six different iPhone models simultaneously puts immense strain on global manufacturers. Spreading these out over six months allows for better quality control and higher “yields” (the percentage of perfect parts coming off the line).
3. Revenue Consistency: Instead of one massive sales spike in Q4, Apple can create a second major revenue surge in the spring, keeping investor interest high year-round.

What’s Coming in the iPhone 18?

Despite the wait, the iPhone 18 series is shaping up to be a landmark generation. The Pro models are rumored to debut the A20 Pro chip, the world’s first commercial processor built on a 2nm process, which promises a 30% jump in efficiency.

Furthermore, Apple is reportedly working to hide the Face ID sensors under the display, potentially retiring the “Dynamic Island” in favor of a clean, all-screen design with just a tiny hole for the selfie camera. The base iPhone 18 is also expected to receive a significant boost, potentially moving to 12GB of RAM to better handle the growing demands of on-device AI.

The Bottom Line

While “iPhone season” has always been a September staple, Apple seems ready to trade tradition for a more manageable and profitable roadmap. For fans of the standard iPhone, the wait for 2026 might last a few months longer than usual, but the payoff could be a more polished and powerful device.