In a significant shift from its traditional launch schedule, Apple is reportedly set to delay the release of its highly anticipated iPhone 18 series. Recent insights from industry sources and suppliers have indicated that the iPhone 18 will not be unveiled this year, as previously expected. Instead, the new model is projected to make its debut in early 2027, alongside other variations such as the iPhone 18e and the iPhone Air 2.
According to a media report referencing Pegatron, a key Apple supplier, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are still slated for a launch next month, contrary to earlier predictions about the iPhone 18 itself. Specifically, the base model is anticipated to arrive sometime between January and March 2027, following earlier speculation of a March 2026 launch.
Challenges Behind the Delay
Several factors contribute to this surprising postponement. A shortage in chipsets and memory components has raised the production costs of smartphones, prompting Apple to reassess its launch timeline. Moreover, ongoing bottlenecks in the semiconductor manufacturing process have compounded these challenges for the tech giant.
If the reports hold true, this will be the first time since the iPhone 11 series that Apple does not launch the standard model alongside its Pro counterparts. Moving forward, rumors suggest that Apple's upcoming September event will highlight the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its first folding iPhone, rumored to be named the iPhone Ultra, with the base model set to follow in early 2027.
Source (in Chinese)
