Since 2019, Apple has launched a more affordable standard iPhone and a higher-end “Pro” variant, giving customers a choice between several flagship iPhones. Apple is deviating from its standard release schedule this year and splitting the iPhone 18 launch.
We won’t get all iPhone 18 models in fall 2026, because Apple is keeping the iPhone 18 standard until spring 2027. If you want an iPhone in the traditional September time frame, it’ll cost you this year.
Fall iPhones 2026
Apple’s three most expensive iPhones will be showcased at its iPhone event in September.
- iPhone 18 Pro – The iPhone 18 Pro will look like the iPhone 17 Pro, but it should have a smaller Dynamic Island and a wide camera with variable aperture for more precise lighting adjustments. It will use Apple’s next-generation A20 chip built on a 2nm process.
- iPhone 18 Pro Max – The iPhone 18 Pro Max will be almost identical to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but it might be a bit thicker due to a bigger battery. It’s possible that the new camera will be limited to the Pro Max, but this is not confirmed. Both models will be available in a new dark cherry color.
- Foldable iPhone – Apple’s first foldable iPhone could be called iPhone Ultra. When closed it will measure approximately 5.5 inches and when opened it will measure approximately 7.8 inches. It will be similar in size and form factor to an iPad mini in landscape mode, with new app multitasking features. It will have Touch ID instead of Face ID and will be limited to a two-camera system.
Several analysts agree that the iPhone 18 Pro models will be more expensive than their iPhone 17 Pro counterparts. Memory shortages have driven up the cost of consumer DRAM, and Apple has to pay much more for memory.
Some of the cost increase will be offset by discounts Apple has negotiated on other components like the display, but an increase seems inevitable after June’s price hike on Macs and iPads.
Analysts estimate a price increase of $100 to $300 for both models. Current pricing starts at $1,099 for the iPhone 17 Pro and $1,199 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Since there is currently no foldable iPhone, there is no fixed price. Rumors suggest it will cost between $2,000 and $2,500, and that could absorb some of the higher component costs of the iPhone 18 Pro.
Spring 2027 iPhone
- iPhone18 – The iPhone 18 will have a 2nm A20 chip, more RAM, a smaller Dynamic Island and a new C2 modem chip. Apple could downgrade the screen to save money, and the device could share more components with the iPhone 18e.
- iPhone 18e – iPhone 18e will follow iPhone 17e. It should receive an improved chip and 9 GB of RAM.
- iPhoneAir2 – Apple is planning a second-generation iPhone Air that could launch alongside the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e. Rumors suggest it might have a second camera to make it better value (probably an Ultra Wide) and a bigger battery.
What’s next?
After launching the iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 in spring 2027, it is unclear whether Apple will stick to the spring/fall split launch strategy or return to its standard schedule.
There are rumors of a 20th anniversary iPhone coming in fall 2027, and it looks like a high-end device. Apple may choose to stick with the calendar change it is making between 2026 and 2027, as this will better distribute iPhone sales throughout the year.
