Apple iPhone 18 Release Date, Price & Specs Rumours

Despite the recent launch of the iPhone 17 models, excitement is already building for Apple’s upcoming iPhone release.

The iPhone 18 series is still a while away, but insights from industry analysts like Mark Gurman and Ming-Chi Kuo, along with a rival company’s announcement, have given us a glimpse of what to expect, including a potential foldable iPhone.

Here’s everything we know so far about the iPhone 18 series, including its release date, pricing, and specifications.

When will the iPhone 18 be released?

Based on Apple’s typical release schedule, the iPhone 18 series is expected to debut in September 2026.

Recent iPhone announcement dates include:

• 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 typically open the Friday following the announcement, with phones shipping a week later.

Rumors suggest Apple may split the announcements and launch dates of iPhone 18 models in 2026. High-end models like the foldable iPhone and Pro models could launch in September, with the iPhone 18 and 18e potentially arriving in spring 2027.

Source: MacRumors

How much will the iPhone 18 cost?

Apple maintained similar prices for the iPhone 17 lineup, with only the Pro model seeing an 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

Projected pricing for iPhone 16 models:

• 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

2026 pricing could be affected by tariffs, but prices for iPhone 17, Pro, and Pro Max models are expected to remain similar. The rumored foldable iPhone could cost between $1,999 and $2,299, potentially competing with the Samsung Z Fold 7.

No international pricing details have been released yet.

Source: MacRumors

Which models will Apple launch?

The base iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Pro, and Pro Max models are expected to launch. However, it’s unclear if all models will be available in September 2026. The Pro and Pro Max models might debut first, with the base model and 18e arriving in spring.

The future of the Air model is uncertain, as it was not named iPhone 17 Air, suggesting it may not be updated annually. The Air is believed to be a stepping-stone for Apple’s foldable device development, and its update frequency will likely depend on sales performance.

The likelihood of a foldable iPhone is increasing, with reports of Samsung preparing OLED panels for a foldable phone for a North American client, expected to be Apple. As Samsung Display is Apple’s sole OLED panel supplier, this development suggests a foldable iPhone is on the horizon.

Sources: ChosunBiz

What specs and features will the iPhone 18 have?

While the iPhone 18 series is still in development, rumors and leaks offer insight into expected features.

Design

The design of the iPhone 18 models, especially the Pro and Pro Max, is expected to see incremental changes rather than a complete redesign. New color options are likely, with the focus on the foldable model’s design, influenced by the iPhone Air.

Industry insiders suggest the iPhone Air serves as a precursor to Apple’s first foldable device. The foldable iPhone may resemble two Air models hinged together with a single large screen.

Durable materials like ceramic and titanium are expected in the build, with a possible shift to a more scratch-resistant coating for aluminum models.

Display

Apple is likely to enhance display technology in the iPhone 18 series, though specific sizes and resolutions remain unknown. Expectations include advancements in ProMotion technology and increased peak brightness.

Pro models may feature a smoother 120Hz refresh rate and more energy-efficient OLED panels.

Performance

More iPhone 18 models could utilize Apple’s second-generation 5G modem. The C1X modem, found in the iPhone Air, is expected to be present in the foldable and possibly the Pro models.

Rumors suggest all iPhone 18 models will run on the upcoming A20 chip, with Pro models potentially using an A20 Pro variant. This marks Apple’s first use of TSMC’s 2nm process, offering improved performance and power efficiency.

Cameras

The iPhone 18 Pro models may introduce variable aperture technology to the main camera, allowing users greater control over light intake for improved depth of field and low-light photography.

Samsung is reportedly developing a new three-layer stacked camera sensor, ‘PD-TR-Logic,’ for the iPhone 18 series. This sensor could enhance responsiveness, reduce noise, and improve dynamic range in photos.

While Pro models may see the most significant camera upgrades, the standard iPhone 18 could also benefit from some of this new technology.

Battery & Charging

Details on battery capacity and charging speeds for the iPhone 18 series are scarce. However, Apple’s focus on battery life and charging efficiency suggests incremental improvements.

With increasing competition in fast-charging technology, the iPhone 18 series could support faster wired and MagSafe charging capabilities.

Software

The iPhone 18 series is expected to run on iOS 27, offering new features and improvements tailored to the hardware. Apple traditionally introduces usability, security, and AI enhancements with each iOS version, which we can expect in the iPhone 18 series.

Sources: Mark Gurman | DigiTimes | Ming-Chi Kuo | 9to5Mac | Apple Magazine

This summarizes what we know about the iPhone 18 series so far. For more details on the anticipated foldable iPhone and top buying recommendations, check out our review of the best phones on the market.