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Reports Point to Pro-First iPhone 18 Launch in Fall 2026, With Base Model Pushed to 2027

Industry reporting attributes the timing shift to lineup expansion, higher 2nm chip costs, plus the complexity of a first foldable.

Overview

  • Multiple outlets report Apple plans to unveil iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in fall 2026 alongside its first foldable iPhone, with the standard iPhone 18 expected in spring 2027.
  • Such a split would mark a break from Apple’s typical practice of launching all core iPhones together each September, leaving iPhone 17 as the main standard model for roughly 18 months.
  • Reports say the A20/A20 Pro chips for the Pro models are moving to TSMC’s 2nm process, with Taiwan-based estimates citing ~$30,000 wafers and per‑chip costs near $280 that could pressure pricing.
  • Leaks indicate notable Pro design changes under consideration, including under‑display Face ID with a punch‑hole selfie camera, plus camera upgrades such as variable aperture and new stacked sensors.
  • Analysts and supply‑chain reporting describe the staggered plan as a way to reduce model overlap, ease production of novel hardware like foldable displays and 2nm chips, and smooth quarterly revenue.