Apple may delay the regular iPhone 18 until 2027, while the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple’s first foldable iPhone reportedly launch this September.
A new report citing Apple’s supplier Pegatron says the standard iPhone 18 is planned for Q1 2027, potentially between January and March.
iPhone 18 launch could move to 2027
During Pegatron’s Q2 2026 earnings call, the company reportedly confirmed that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will launch next month.
The regular iPhone 18, however, is reportedly scheduled for Q1 2027. Previous reports have specifically pointed to March 2027.
The delay is reportedly linked to ongoing chipset and memory shortages, which have increased smartphone component costs. A bottleneck in semiconductor manufacturing is also reportedly affecting Apple’s supply plans.
Apple could split the iPhone 18 lineup
If the reports are accurate, Apple will break from its usual launch schedule.
The company has launched its standard and Pro iPhones together every year from the iPhone 11 through the iPhone 17 series.
This time, the lineup could be split:
September 2026
- iPhone 18 Pro
- iPhone 18 Pro Max
- iPhone Ultra, Apple’s rumored first foldable iPhone
Q1 2027
- iPhone 18
- iPhone 18e
- iPhone Air 2
The rumored schedule would put Apple’s most expensive models in the traditional September event, with the standard models following several months later.
iPhone Ultra could steal the September spotlight
Apple’s September event is also rumored to introduce its first foldable iPhone, reportedly called the iPhone Ultra.
That would give Apple three premium devices for its 2026 launch: the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and foldable iPhone Ultra.
The standard iPhone 18 would then arrive separately in early 2027.
Apple has not officially confirmed the new launch schedule, so the reported dates and lineup remain unofficial.
If the latest reports are correct, there will be no regular iPhone 18 at Apple’s September 2026 event.