A new leak has suggested the Apple iPhone 18 may not launch during Apple's usual September event. Instead, it could arrive next spring alongside the Apple iPhone 18e. This means that the upcoming much anticipated fall event may only include the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and possibly the first ever foldable iPhone.
The new rumour shared by a Chinese tipster, Fixed Focus Digital, also claimed that Apple may introduce many similarities between the standard iPhone and iPhone 18e. This is because Apple is making efforts for cost cutting amid rising chip prices, GSMArena reported.
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The report claimed that Apple iPhone 18 will feature notable hardware downgrades compared to expectations. The device is said to use a less advanced chip manufacturing process, along with reduced chip performance and lower memory specifications. This could mean either less RAM or slower memory speeds. As a result, the standard iPhone 18 may be more similar to the affordable Apple iPhone 18e than previous base models were to their budget counterparts.
If Apple reduces hardware differences on its non-premium models, it would mark a significant shift in its strategy. According to a Digit report, the company might use software features or small design changes to separate the models. It is still unclear what the main differences will be, but the gap between standard and budget iPhones could become much smaller this time.
On Apple's anticipated new launch strategy, the report claimed Apple is planning a split launch method from this season. The high-end models, Apple iPhone 18 Pro and Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max, could arrive in fall 2026. Meanwhile, the regular Apple iPhone 18, Apple iPhone 18e, and possibly a new Air version may launch around spring 2027.
Reports indicate that the idea behind this move is to spread releases across the year, giving buyers more options and clearer upgrade choices. Apple is yet to make any comments on this viral rumour about launch timeline.
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