Apple May Delay Standard iPhone 18 Launch Until 2027 in Major Strategy Shift
Supply-chain reports suggest Apple could postpone the standard iPhone 18 and related models until 2027, while prioritizing Pro and foldable devices in 2026.
Apple could be preparing one of the biggest changes to its iPhone launch strategy in years, with supply-chain reports suggesting the standard iPhone 18 may be delayed until 2027 rather than debuting alongside the Pro models in 2026.
The latest indication came from Taiwanese camera lens supplier Largan Precision, whose chairman revealed that a major U.S. customer had postponed the launch of a new product to the first quarter of 2027, without naming the company or device.
The comments align with previous reports claiming Apple is considering a staggered release schedule as its product lineup expands. Under the reported plan, the company would unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its first foldable iPhone during the second half of 2026.
Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 18, the more affordable iPhone 18e, and a potential successor to the iPhone Air could be pushed back to spring 2027.
If implemented, the move would mark a significant departure from Apple's long-standing practice of announcing its flagship iPhone lineup at a single September event. The strategy could help spread consumer demand throughout the year while simplifying production as foldable devices join the portfolio.
Reports suggest Apple's foldable iPhone may feature a book-style design with dual displays and a price tag approaching $2,000, positioning it among the company's most expensive consumer products.
As for the standard iPhone 18, rumors point to modest external changes but substantial internal upgrades, including a 2nm A20 chipset, up to 12GB of RAM, an improved front-facing camera, a brighter display, and a smaller Dynamic Island design across the lineup.

