- The iPhone 18 may be entering mass production
- That would match an expected launch in early 2027
- iPhone 18 Pro may see minimal design changes
We’ve previously heard that 2026 could see something of a shake-up in terms of the iPhone launch schedule, and that’s backed up by a new rumor that says the iPhone 18 is on track to make its debut in the first few months of 2027.
This comes from well-known tipster Fixed Focus Digital (via MacRumors), who says that mass production of the iPhone 18 is about to begin. That puts it some way behind the production of the iPhone 18 Pro, and on track with a launch in 2027.
If these predictions are correct, we’ll get the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and possibly the iPhone Air 2 in September 2026 – the traditional month when new iPhones appear – with the iPhone 18 arriving the following year.
The iPhone 17e and iPhone 18e are also expected to appear, in 2026 and 2027 respectively, and probably in the spring in the US – March seems the safest bet at the moment. It’s a significant shift, and it’s being made in the hopes of selling more iPhones.
Minimal design changes
Talking about the iPhone 18 Pro, the same tipster also says that the changes in the external design will not be as significant as many people predict. There has been talk of an underdisplay selfie camera for the Pro models, for example.
According to this rumor, it will not happen, and if the production of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max is already underway, it suggests that there will be minimal design changes. Keep in mind that the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max also introduced a fairly significant aesthetic update.
Other rumors have suggested that the base iPhone 18 could be in line for a RAM upgrade, while all indications are that we’ll finally see the foldable iPhone appear sometime next year – possibly in September.
It would certainly be a bold move for Apple to change the launch of the standard flagship iPhone – which has always been announced in September or October since the iPhone 4 was unveiled in June 2010 – so we’ll have to wait and see if it pays off.
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