Apple may delay iPhone 18 to 2027, with a foldable iPhone reportedly taking the spotlight

Apple may delay the standard iPhone 18 to 2027, while the iPhone 18 Pro models and a rumoured foldable iPhone could headline its 2026 launch.

Apple could break away from its usual iPhone launch pattern this year, with the standard iPhone 18 reportedly delayed until 2027. If true, this will be a major change for Apple's flagship smartphone lineup, which has traditionally seen its standard and Pro models launch together in September.

What to expect from Apple’s September iPhone launch (Shaurya Sharma/ HT Photo)

By Amit Rahi

For the past seven years, I have tracked consumer tech through constant shifts in hardware, platforms, and the way people actually use devices. Covering everything from budget gear to flagship hardware, I focus on what readers need to know, not on buzzwords or launch cycle hype. My expertise spans gaming laptops and chairs, high-performance PCs, gaming monitors, printers, smartwatches, earphones, headphones, Bluetooth speakers, tablets, and more, with a particular emphasis on how these products hold up in daily use. Reviews, explainers, buying guides, and news pieces all share the same goal: giving readers enough detail to make confident decisions without wading through fluff. Away from deadlines, I spend a lot of time gaming and watching films and anime, which naturally filters back into the work. Performance, comfort, display quality, and sound are judged the way players and viewers experience them, not just by lab numbers, which keeps my coverage grounded in real scenarios rather than just benchmarks.

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According to recent reports, Apple is preparing to split its iPhone launches into two windows. The premium models are expected to arrive in late 2026, while the standard iPhone 18 and other more affordable models could follow in early 2027.

iPhone 18 may arrive in 2027

The standard iPhone 18 is reportedly being pushed to the first quarter of 2027. This means the iPhone 17 could remain Apple's latest standard iPhone for more than 18 months.

Apple's reported plan could see the company focus its 2026 launch on the more expensive models, giving its premium lineup a dedicated spotlight. The standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and a second-generation iPhone Air are expected to follow in spring 2027.

The change could also be linked to supply chain constraints, with reports suggesting Apple is prioritising higher-margin flagship models because of chip shortages.

What to expect from Apple this year?

Apple's 2026 iPhone launch could still be a major one despite the standard iPhone 18 being absent. The company is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, alongside its long-rumoured foldable iPhone Ultra.

The iPhone Ultra is expected to be Apple's first foldable smartphone and could feature a large internal display with a smaller cover screen. Reports suggest it will follow a book-style folding design, putting Apple directly against Samsung and other established foldable phone makers.

The iPhone 18 Pro models are also expected to bring Apple's next-generation A20 Pro chip and further camera and display upgrades. However, most of these details remain based on leaks and reports until Apple officially announces the devices.