Apple is reportedly deliberately delaying the launch of the standard iPhone 18 model as part of the company's strategy to extend the sales period of the iPhone 17 series while reducing production costs.
As reported by Macrumors on Thursday, the information came from tech leaker Fixed Focus Digital via a post on Weibo. According to him, Apple chose to delay the launch of the standard iPhone 18 rather than push through a release amid global supply chain constraints.
The iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 are expected to launch in spring 2027. Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable phone known as the “iPhone Ultra” are said to be introduced first in late 2026.
Apple is said to want to give the iPhone 17 more time to strengthen its market share in key segments before introducing its successor.
