Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 series in September 2026, but rumors claim the company will introduce a significant change to the lineup this year. The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the first foldable iPhone would be the only new Apple smartphones launching in September. The standard iPhone 18 won’t be released until spring 2027, according to Bloomberg, at which point it could be joined by the iPhone 18e and a second-generation iPhone Air. While Apple’s launch plans for the iPhone 18 series are unconfirmed, buyers interested in purchasing their first base iPhone or upgrading from an older model shouldn’t wait until next spring to purchase the iPhone 18. Instead, it’s best to purchase the standard iPhone 17 with its several upgrades typically only found on the Pro versions. The base model iPhone 17 is a rare device, considering Apple’s iPhone release history, as Apple has not increased its price despite the device’s generous features.
The iPhone 17 starts at $799 ($829 when purchased from Apple without carrier activation), the same price as the standard iPhone 16. But the newest model comes with 256GB of storage, double that of the base iPhone 16. That’s not the only significant upgrade over its predecessor: the iPhone 17 features the same 6.3-inch display as the iPhone 17 Pro, meaning users get a 120Hz, 3,000 nits ProMotion display. brightness and Always-On functionality on the cheapest non-Pro model. Finally, the base iPhone 17 features the A19 chip, dual 48-megapixel cameras on the back, the same 18-megapixel selfie camera as the Pro models, better battery life than its predecessor, and faster wired charging (40W).
And the iPhone 18?
Since Apple blurred the lines between the base iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro, the standard iPhone 18 is expected to follow the same pattern and be similar to the iPhone 18 Pro, but with a lower price. However, the iPhone 18 may not be as big an upgrade over its predecessor as the iPhone 17, as it is rumored to feature the new 2nm A20 chip paired with 12GB of RAM and the new C2 modem. The device could also introduce new camera sensors made by Samsung.
The basic design of the iPhone 18 is expected to be similar to the iPhone 17, but with a brighter screen and a smaller Dynamic Island. Although these are just rumors, the display will likely support a 120Hz refresh rate and Always-On functionality. The camera control button on the side could be redesigned, with Apple rumored to be removing capacitive sensors this generation.
Pricing for the iPhone 18 is expected to start at $799 for the same 256GB capacity. Smartphone suppliers have been facing cost pressures on key components for months as the AI ​​sector has increased demand for memory and storage chips, leading to higher prices for smartphone components. Apple is rumored to absorb most of these costs, while other vendors have started raising prices on their new devices. But there is no guarantee that the base model of the iPhone 18 will not see a price increase. Additionally, carriers are already offering the iPhone 17 for free to eligible subscribers, making it even easier to purchase one of the most powerful standard iPhones in Apple history.
What about the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17e?
Shoppers looking for the cheapest new iPhone possible can also purchase the $599 iPhone 17e or the $699 iPhone 16, both available from Apple, instead of waiting for the iPhone 18. They are nearly identical devices, each offering unique benefits. The iPhone 17e is the newest device, released in spring 2026. The handset features the A19 chip which also powers the standard iPhone 17 and comes with 256GB of minimum storage. The handset offers better battery life and tougher Ceramic Shield 2 glass on the front than the iPhone 16. However, the iPhone 17e only features a single camera on the back, compared to two for the iPhone 16 model, and charges more slowly via MagSafe.
The iPhone 16 supports wireless charging speeds of up to 22W, compared to 15W for the iPhone 17e. It also has a Dynamic Island display with higher peak brightness outdoors, while the iPhone 17e has a notch at the top of the screen.
Both phones are good choices while waiting for the standard iPhone 18, although the iPhone 17 offers the best value of the three cheaper models currently in Apple’s lineup. An iPhone 18e is expected to join the company’s offering in spring 2027, but the same logic applies: you shouldn’t wait to buy a 2027 iPhone, especially if you need a new device now.
