Overview
- Multiple industry reports say Apple will unveil only premium iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and a foldable/Ultra model in September 2026 while delaying standard iPhone 18, 18e and Air variants to spring 2027; Apple has not confirmed this schedule.
- Analysts and leaks estimate sizeable price increases for Pro models, roughly US$100–$300 more, and CEO Tim Cook has said price rises are unavoidable because rising memory and other component costs are being passed to Apple.
- Leaked hardware details point to major Pro upgrades such as a variable‑aperture main camera, a next‑generation A20 chip built on a 2nm process, larger batteries and a smaller Dynamic Island, though these specs remain unconfirmed.
- iOS 27 beta analysis and reporting indicate some advanced on‑device AI features may require about 12 GB of RAM, which would effectively restrict full Apple Intelligence capabilities to higher‑memory Pro devices.
- To blunt the consumer impact Apple is reported to be negotiating lower OLED panel prices with Samsung Display and LG Display and preparing a new 'Apple Upgrade' leasing program backed by Klarna to offer lower monthly payments.