Although the iPhone 17 models are still fresh, anticipation for Apple’s next major iPhone announcement is already mounting.
The iPhone 18 series introduction is still a long way off, but rumors and early insights from reputable industry analysts and leakers including Apple Mark Gurman and Ming-Chi Kuo have given us a taste of what to expect – and an announcement from a rival company has all but confirmed a folding iPhone.
Here’s all we know so far about the iPhone 18 series, including its release date, price, and specifications.
When will the iPhone 18 be released?
In summary
- First iPhone 18 models expected to launch in September
- Launch could be staggered, with high-end models arriving first
- Affordable models could appear in the spring
According to Apple’s well-established release timetable, the iPhone 18 series is set to appear in September 2026.
Here’s a look at the announcement dates of recent iPhones:
- 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 (delayed due to Covid)
Pre-orders for the gadgets are normally available on the Friday after the announcement, with phones shipping a week later.
However, there is a possibility that something will change in 2026. According to rumors, Apple may divide the announcement and launch dates for its iPhone 18 versions.
In this scenario, the high-end devices – the predicted foldable iPhone, possibly an Air, and the iPhone Pro and Pro Max – would be released as usual in September. However, the iPhone 18 and 18e are set to be released in spring 2027.
However, there are other forces at play outside Apple’s own schedule. According to the most recent reports from Japan, Apple’s component finalisation process may result in insufficient time to manufacture enough hinge components, causing Apple to miss the 2027 launch deadline.
How much will the iPhone 18 cost?
Apple kept the starting prices of the 17 lineup very close to last year’s figures. Only the Pro model is more expensive:
- 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:
- Phone 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
Tariffs could complicate pricing in 2026. Otherwise, we expect the iPhone 17, Pro, and Pro Max variants to be priced similarly.
The rumored foldable iPhone is expected to cost between $1,999 and $2,299, making it comparable to or more expensive than the Samsung Z Fold 7. The Z Fold 7 starts at $1,999 in the United States, but it is available in the UK for £1,799 as well.
However, the most recent news on hinge cost shows that the foldable iPhone may be slightly less expensive than originally thought. Because of more efficient manufacturing methods, Apple’s hinge could cost $70-$80 in mass production, rather than the $100-$120 previously estimated.
Which models will Apple launch?
The regular iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Pro, and Pro Max appear to be the most likely variants to launch. However, we don’t know if all of these models will be available in September 2026. It’s probable that only the Pro and Pro Max will be available then, with the iPhone 18 base model debuting alongside the 18e in the spring.
Then there’s the question of the Air model. After all, when the Air debuted in September 2025, it was simply known as the Air, not the iPhone 17 Air. This shows that the model may be unique, or at least not modified on a yearly basis.
The Air is supposed to be a stepping-stone product, allowing Apple to develop the technology that would serve as the foundation for its foldable tablet. As a result, the frequency with which it is upgraded, if at all, will most likely be determined by how well the original model sells.
However, the appearance of a foldable iPhone is becoming more realistic by the day. Lee Cheon, President of Samsung Display, recently told reporters that the business was preparing to develop 8.6th-generation OLED panels for a North American client’s foldable phone. The panels will be mass-produced beginning in the third quarter of next year.
As Samsung Display is Apple’s sole supplier of OLED screens, this appears to confirm that the foldable will be available next fall.
What specs and features will the iPhone 18 have?
Although the iPhone 18 series is still in development, several rumours and leaks provide insight into its expected features.
Design
There were surprises in store when the design of the iPhone 17 models was revealed, particularly for the Pro and Pro Max models. It appears that the phones’ new appearance has contributed to an increase in sales, but we don’t expect Apple to redesign the Pro and Pro Max models again just a year later.
Instead, incremental changes are probable, with new colorways almost certain: according to the latest rumors, the Pro model will be available in three new colors: brown, burgundy, and purple. Keep in mind that this information was translated from the original Chinese tip. Even if the rumour is true, the hue names may not be completely descriptive of the finished products. It is also expected that black will not be an option again.
However, according to one report from China, the back glass panel of the iPhone 18 Pro variants would be semi-transparent. However, it is feasible that this will serve a practical rather than aesthetic purpose. The Pro is believed to have a stainless steel vapour chamber, and transparent glass may aid heat dissipation.
The foldable model’s design will be the primary focus. And we already have an idea of how it might look thanks to the iPhone Air.
According to industry insiders, the iPhone Air is a problem-solving stop before Apple produces its first foldable. The folding iPhone will resemble two Air units hinged together, but with a single huge screen.
Materials and construction quality are expected to return to durable ceramic and titanium materials, but Apple may explore replacing the anodized coating on the aluminum iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max variants with something more scratch-resistant.
Display
Apple has consistently improved its display technology, and the iPhone 18 series will most certainly follow suit. ProMotion technology is expected to advance, and peak brightness will increase.
The Pro models could have an even smoother 120Hz refresh rate and more energy-efficient OLED screens.
Mizuho Securities, a Japanese business, published a research report outlining the foldable’s predicted screen sizes. The exterior display is estimated to be 5.38 inches, with the interior display measuring 7.58 inches. These are smaller screen sizes than previously reported, with 5.5-inch and 7.8-inch panels expected.
This means that when folded, the new phone will be comparable in size to Apple’s now-defunct iPhone Mini.
Performance
Apple is likely to increase the RAM of the iPhone 18 base model from 12GB to 4GB, up from the iPhone 17. This will put it in step with higher-end models and, more importantly, allow it to run AI models on the phone itself, rather than in the cloud.
More models in the iPhone 18 could benefit from Apple’s second-generation 5G modem.
Apple’s first 5G modem, the C1, was released in the iPhone 16e following years of research. Its replacement, the C1X, is exclusively available in the iPhone Air and not in any other iPhone 17 variants. That means we may expect to see it in Apple’s foldable, as well as the Pro and Pro Max variants.
Meanwhile, all iPhone 18 models are expected to operate on Apple’s future A20 CPU. Pro models may use an A20 Pro version. This is the brand’s first use of TSMC’s 2nm technology, known as N2. More transistors in a smaller space results in up to 15% quicker performance and 30% higher power efficiency from the A19 processor found in the iPhone 18, as well as a performance boost from the A19 Pro found in the Pro models.
Cameras
Apple’s cameras are a distinguishing feature, and the iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to include variable aperture technology in the main camera.
This function allows users to adjust how much light enters the lens, giving improved control over depth of field and improving low-light photography.
Samsung is reportedly developing a new three-layer stacked camera sensor, known internally as “PD-TR-Logic,” which is expected to debut with the Apple iPhone 18 series.
This next-generation image sensor aims to enhance camera responsiveness, reduce photo noise, and improve dynamic range, delivering a noticeable upgrade in overall photo and video performance.
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models are likely to receive the most advanced camera improvements, even the standard iPhone 18 could benefit from this cutting-edge sensor technology.
In terms of the front-facing camera, Apple is expected to introduce a smaller hole-punch design for the selfie camera on the Pro models, paired with under-display Face ID technology. Furthermore, all iPhone 18 models—including the base version—are rumored to feature a major selfie camera upgrade, jumping from 18MP to 24MP for sharper and more detailed self-portraits.
If true, this collaboration could mark a significant step forward in Apple’s camera evolution, further solidifying Samsung’s role as a key supplier of advanced imaging technology.
Battery & Charging
Details on battery capacity and charging speeds for the iPhone 18 series are scarce.
However, Apple’s dedication to improving battery life and charging efficiency suggests that improvements will be modest.
With growing competition in the fast-charging space, the iPhone 18 series could support faster wired and MagSafe charging capabilities.
Software
The iPhone 18 series is projected to run iOS 27, which will include additional hardware-specific features and capabilities.
Apple normally delivers advances in usability, security, and AI with each new iOS version, and the iPhone 18 series is expected to showcase these enhancements. We should expect AI improvements across smartphones, as Apple has bought LPDDR5X RAM from supplier Samsung for the upcoming iPhone line-up.
That’s everything we know so far about the Apple iPhone 18 series. As more leaks and official details emerge, we’ll continue to update this post with the latest information on iPhone 18 specs, camera upgrades, and release news.
If you’re interested in what’s next from Apple, don’t miss our detailed coverage of the upcoming iPhone Fold and check out our expert guide to the best smartphones you can buy right now, based on extensive hands-on testing and performance reviews.
