Understanding iPhone 18 series: Everything we know so far

2026’s big iPhone launch is just around the corner. Apple has announced a “Surprise and Shine” event on Wednesday, 9 September.

Our sibling publication Macworld has now confirmed that Apple will launch six models in the iPhone 18 range, after discovering code in the iOS 27 beta 5 that references six upcoming models, using Apple’s internal codenames:

• V62: iPhone Air 2
• V63: iPhone 18 Pro
• V64: iPhone 18 Pro Max
• V67: iPhone 18
• V68: iPhone Ultra
• V69: iPhone 18e

However, we don’t expect to see all models debut in September.

Thanks to insights from reliable industry analysts and leakers such as Mark Gurman and Ming-Chi Kuo, we have a good idea of which phones will arrive when, and what specs and features they’ll have. But remember, nothing except the launch date has been confirmed by Apple.

Here’s everything we know so far about the iPhone 18 series, including the release date, specifications, confirmed colours – and now some pricing expectations.

When will the iPhone 18 line be released?

Apple has announced an event on Wednesday, 9 September, titled “Surprise and Shine”. It hasn’t yet announced specific products that will launch but judging by its well-established release schedule, that’s where the first models of the iPhone 18 series will arrive.

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 all devices typically open on the Friday following the announcement, with phones shipped a week later.

However, we are expecting something a little bit different for 2026. Rumours suggest that Apple will split the announcements and launch dates of its iPhone 18 models.

In this scenario, the high-end models – the expected foldable iPhone, the iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max – would launch as usual in September. But the base iPhone 18, budget 18e and Air 2 would launch at a spring 2027 event.

Further confirmation of Apple’s new stratifying launch plan came via Mark Gurman’s 8 March “Power on” newsletter. The prolific leaker says that, after Apple’s announcement of a number of new ‘affordable’ products, including the iPhone 17e and the MacBook Neo in early March, it will launch three new “Ultra” products later in the year, one of which will be the foldable iPhone.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that the foldable will be named the Ultra – although that seems increasingly likely – but it does seem to confirm that Apple is gearing up for a high-end September launch event.

The latest supply chain rumours suggest that the foldable Ultra model will be announced at the September launch event but will become available slightly later than the Pro and the Pro Max.

However, Apple is not immune to the RAM shortage crisis and a difficultly in getting hold of DRAM chips means that there’s speculation that only a limited number of the Pro models will be available to order at launch.

Source: MacRumors | 9to5Mac | Mark Gurman for Bloomberg (1) | (2) | Tim Culpan Substack

How much will the iPhone 18 cost?

Apple kept the starting prices of the 17 lineup very close to the previous year’s figures, with the base model getting more storage for the same price. Only the Pro model was 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

However, we’re now expecting a big change this year. In response to the RAM shortage, Apple has increased the prices of a huge range of its products: even the budget-friendly Macbook Neo has gone up from £599/$599 to £699/$699.

This leaves us in little doubt that the iPhone 18 range’s pricing will be similarly affected. It’s thought that many models will be hiked by $100, following Samsung and Google’s price rises on their flagship models.

As for the all-new ‘Ultra’ foldable iPhone, a starting price between $1,999 and $2,500 has been suggested, depending on storage volume. However, these estimates, which were based on production costings for parts including the hinge, plus supply chain rumours and market factors at the time, took place before Apple hiked its prices. The most recent price estimate was between $2,300 and $2,500.

Source: MacRumors | MacRumors (2) | Android Headlines | Macworld | Bloomberg

Which models will Apple launch?

In terms of which models will launch, we expect six new phones in the iPhone 18 series. The base iPhone 18, the iPhone 18 Pro and the Pro Max seem assured and the iPhone Fold – which may be named the iPhone Ultra – seems all but certain, judging from the number of supply chain leaks and rumours centred on the device, plus confirmation spotted in the iOS 27 beta 5 code.

However, what we don’t know for certain is which iPhone 18 models will be available in September 2026. Currently, the expectation is that the Pro, Pro Max and foldable Ultra will arrive then, with the Air 2 and the iPhone 18 base model instead arriving with the 18e in the spring.

The Air 2’s confirmation was the biggest surprise, after poor sales of the original Air. However, the current thinking is that Apple is tweaking the Air’s design, with the intention that it will replace the base model as the standard iPhone design in the future.

Projected for September 2026 launch

• iPhone 18 Pro
• iPhone 18 Pro Max
• Foldable iPhone Ultra

Projected for spring 2027 launch

• iPhone 18 base model
• iPhone 18e
• iPhone Air 2

Source: ChosunBiz | 9to5Mac | MacRumors | (2) | Digital Chat Station | Macworld

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

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models’ design caused surprise when the phones were revealed and their fresh appearance undoubtedly contributed to an uptick in sales, but we don’t expect Apple to redesign the Pro and Pro Max again only a year later.

Instead, incremental changes are likely, and new colourways all but assured. According to a scoop from our sibling site Macworld, the Pro and Pro Max will be available in a brand new “Dark Cherry” colourway.

This seems to confirm an earlier assertion in a Mark Gurman newsletter that Apple was testing several hues for a new red colourway. The winning Dark Cherry shade will be “much closer to wine than fruit punch”, according to Macworld.

It’s no surprise that, after the success of the Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 option, Apple wants a fresh, bold colour to offer.

The site also claims that Apple is considering another two or three colour options: a light blue, similar to the existing Mist Blue, which is available on the base iPhone 17. A dark grey and a silver-grey option are also under consideration. These are the Pantone colour references, according to Macworld’s source:

• Light Blue (Pantone 2121)
• Dark Cherry (Pantone 6076)
• Dark Gray (Pantone 426C)
• Silver (Pantone 427C)

The latest rumours suggest that only three of these colour options will make it to market: dark cherry, light blue and silver or silver-grey.

The phones are once again expected to feature durable ceramic and titanium elements – but Apple may consider replacing the anodised coating that’s currently used on the aluminium iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models in favour of something more scratch-resistant.

Foldable iPhone Ultra

There’s already a lot of focus on the design of the foldable model. Samsung Display showed a concept phone with a creaseless screen during CES which, rumour has it, uses the technology developed with and for Apple.

The screen will unlock via a Touch ID button on the side to help keep it slim.

Macworld, our sibling website, showed an image of a model of the iPhone foldable, based on CAD files allegedly leaked from Apple’s production line. We’re expecting a fairly wide foldable, with a main display of roughly 7.8 inches and an outer display of 5.5 inches.

It’s squarer than other iPhone models (it’s known as “passport-style”) and would fold out to showcase a display with a shape and size that’s very close to an iPad mini, with a 4:3 aspect ratio.

Leaked CAD images shared by tipster Sonny Dickson on X seem to confirm this design, showing what appears to be a very similar model.

Leaker Sonny Dickson apparently got hold of dummies of the Pro, the Pro Max and the foldable – likely made for a phone case manufacturer – once again confirming the foldable’s size and shape.

But don’t expect a range of exciting colour options to choose from. It’s thought that Apple will play it safe with the new design, with a dark grey or black option, a white or silver model and perhaps an indigo colourway available.

There’s more detail in our dedicated foldable iPhone Ultra article.

iPhone 18 base model

Recent rumours have suggested that the iPhone 18 will actually be downgraded, in one respect, from the iPhone 17. Apple is expected to revert to using Samsung’s M12+ material for the regular iPhone 18’s display, as well as that of the iPhone 18e.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Pro is projected to use Samsung’s latest M16 material in its display. The key difference between M12+ and M16 screen technology is its luminous efficiency. That relates to how much energy a screen needs to emit a certain amount of light. The iPhone 18, then, would be less energy-efficient than its predecessor, although this will be offset to some degree by Apple’s new 2nm A20 chip. But that, in turn, means the A20 chip will need to work harder in this model.

However, an earlier rumour that Apple is expected to boost the RAM of the iPhone 18 base model to 12GB – 4GB up from the iPhone 17 seems to have been confirmed. This will bring it in line with the high-end models and, crucially, allow it to run AI models on the phone itself, without resorting to the cloud.

iPhone Air 2

The iPhone Air 2 is expected to retain its titanium build but resolve some key complaints against its predecessor with an upgraded battery. It’s also thought to add a second, ultrawide lens to the 48Mp Fusion main sensor of its predecessor. These upgrades will be achieved while retaining the ultra-slim design.

In terms of colour options, Space Black, Cloud White, and Light Gold are projected to return but the Sky Blue colourway will be replaced by an option that’s more of a lavender.

It’s expected to get the standard A20 chip.

Perhaps most surprisingly, according to leaker Jon Prosser, the Air is set to become the new standard iPhone, eventually replacing the iPhone base model.

Display

Apple has continually enhanced its display technology, and the iPhone 18 series will likely continue this trend. Advancements in ProMotion technology and higher peak brightness are anticipated. The iPhone 18’s screen brightness is expected to increase from the iPhone 17’s 1000 nits of typical maximum brightness up to 1600 nits in HDR, with a peak brightness of 3000 nits.

The Pro models could feature an even smoother 120Hz refresh rate and more energy-efficient LTPO OLED panels, according to supply chain rumours. This will allow Apple to put the Face ID scanner behind the display. It’s also thought that the selfie camera may also be repositioned behind the display without loss of quality.

Regular tipster Digital Chat Station has allegedly leaked the display specifics of several iPhone models:

• iPhone 18 Pro: Its 6.27-inch LTPO panel with a 120Hz refresh rate will be the same but the difference is an under-display cutout for Face ID
• iPhone 18 Pro Max: A 6.86-inch LTPO display, a 120Hz refresh rate, and the redesigned under-display cutout
• iPhone Air 2: 6.55-inch LTPO 120Hz display, but with a standard Dynamic Island

Recently, reliable source Ice Universe has said that the Dynamic Island cutout will be significantly smaller on the iPhone 18 Pro models. It’s expected to be only 13.49mm in width, down from 20.76mm on the iPhone 17 Pros. This rumour has been strengthened by the most recent leaks, which suggest that A/B testing of a smaller Dynamic Island is taking place.

Performance

At this stage, it’s expected that all iPhone 18 models will run on Apple’s upcoming A20 chip. Pro models may run on an A20 Pro variant. This will be the brand’s first use of TSMC’s 2nm process, known as N2.

More transistors in a smaller space means up to 15% faster performance and 30% better power efficiency from the A19 chip found in the iPhone 18, and a performance bump on the A19 Pro found in the Pro models.

More models in the iPhone 18 range could get the benefit of Apple’s second-generation 5G modem.

Apple’s first 5G modem, the C1, launched in the iPhone 16e after years of development. Its successor, the C1X, can only be found in the iPhone Air – not in any of the other iPhone 17 models. But the iPhone 18 models, including the Pro, Pro Mx and Apple’s foldable, could well debut with a C2 modem.

Cameras

Apple’s cameras are a standout feature, and the iPhone 18 Pro models are rumoured to introduce variable aperture technology to the 48Mp main camera.

This feature will allow users to control how much light enters the lens, enabling superior control over depth of field and enhancing low-light photography.

Samsung is reportedly working on a new, three-layer stacked camera sensor called ‘PD-TR-Logic,’ designed for the iPhone 18 series.

This image sensor is expected to enhance the camera’s responsiveness, while also offering advantages such as reduced photo noise, improved dynamic range, and more.

While the Pro models are likely to receive the most significant upgrades, the standard iPhone 18 may also benefit from some of this new technology.

As far as the selfie camera is concerned, the Pro and Pro Max models are expected to come with a smaller hole punch for their selfie cameras. It’s projected to be paired with under-display Face ID tech.

However, the bigger rumour is that all models, including the iPhone 18 base model, will get a significant upgrade to the selfie camera, to 24Mp from the current generation’s 18Mp.

Battery & Charging

Details about battery capacity and charging speeds for the iPhone 18 series remain sparse.

However, Apple’s commitment to improving battery life and charging efficiency suggests incremental enhancements.

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 expected to run on iOS 27, offering new features and capabilities tailored to the hardware.

Apple typically introduces innovations in usability, security and AI with every new iOS version, and we can expect the iPhone 18 series to showcase these improvements.

We can also expect AI developments across the handsets – something prefigured by the fact that Apple has ordered LPDDR5X RAM from supplier Samsung for the next iPhone line-up.

Apple and Google issued a joint statement confirming a rumour that’s been swirling for some time. The expected Siri overhaul will be powered by Gemini, but it’ll be a bespoke version running on Apple’s own servers to ensure it can retain its high standards regarding users’ data privacy.

Sources: Mark Gurman for Bloomberg (1) | (2) | DigiTimes | Ming-Chi Kuo | 9to5Mac (1) | (2) | (3) | Apple Magazine | Vietnam Net | GSMArena (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | (5) | (6) | (7) | (8) | MacRumors | Google | Sonny Dickson on X | Digital Chat Station on Weibo

That’s all we currently know about the iPhone 18 series. You can find out more detail on the expected iPhone Ultra foldable and get our top buying recommendations in our round-up of the best phones we’ve tested.