TL; DR
- Apple’s September event skipped the base iPhone 18, launching only the Pro, Pro Max, and Duo.
- The base iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 are expected in early 2027 instead.
- Memory supply constraints and an increasingly crowded lineup are the likely reasons for the split.
After Apple’s September 9 keynote concluded, at least nine different people have asked me the same question: “Where is the regular iPhone 18?” For the first time in about a decade of iPhone launches, the baseline iPhone is missing from a series refresh event, and there’s a good reason (at least for Apple). It points to how Apple plans to sell its iPhone going forward.
Also Read: Apple Raises iPhone Air, iPhone 17 and iPhone 17e Prices Globally, iPhone 16 Also Gets Costlier
What Apple Actually Announced At The September 9 Event
This year, Apple’s lineup was narrower and pricier than usual. The company’s new CEO, John Ternus, unveiled a total of three iPhones, including iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the iPhone Duo, which, if the name doesn’t already suggest, is Apple’s first-ever foldable. Each of these iPhones runs on Apple’s new A20 Pro (2nm) chip, which brings major performance and efficiency gains.
While the Pro models get a brighter display, a smaller Dynamic Island, a variable-aperture main camera, and a massive battery-life improvement, the iPhone Duo gets amazing folding/unfolding animations, a content-friendly form factor, magnetic wireless charging, and relatively more affordable US pricing than in India.
Apple also launched the Apple Watch Series 12, the Watch Ultra 4, and the AirPods 5.
| Product | US starting price | India starting price | India availability |
| iPhone Duo (foldable) | $1,999 | ₹2,99,900 | Oct 23 |
| iPhone 18 Pro | $1,199 | ₹1,64,900 | Sep 18 |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | $1,299 | ₹1,79,900 | Sep 18 |
| Apple Watch Series 12 | $399 | ₹56,900 | Sep 18 |
| Apple Watch Ultra 4 | $799 | ₹1,09,900 | Sep 18 |
| AirPods 5 | $129 | ₹14,900 | Sep 18 |
| AirPods 5 + Wireless Charging Case | $149 | ₹17,900 | Sep 18 |
Why Was The iPhone 18 Missing?
The iPhone 18 was missing because Apple plans to launch it later in this financial year: it still exists. The iPhone 17 did quite well for the company. In fact, the base iPhone is often the no-brainer choice for most buyers, especially those who don’t want to overspend on a smartphone but still want the ecosystem perks and smooth long-term use.
However, releasing the regular iPhone alongside the Pro models gives buyers a choice, one where they’re often confused between an ₹80,000 and a ₹1,50,000 flagship. If someone is only looking at the upfront cost, they’re likely to lean toward the cheaper version. This is one of the purchase decisions that often pushes buyers toward the cheaper iPhone.
So, splitting the September launch event into two events — one with the most premium iPhones (the Pro models) and others with the entry-level flagships — is a business-friendly decision. Think of it this way: the most affordable new iPhone buyers can buy this September is the iPhone 18 Pro, not the regular iPhone 18.
Also Read: iPhone 18 Pro Now Officially Charges at 60W, Hits 50% in Just 15 Minutes
Finally, launching five to six devices together in a market already struggling with a consumer-grade memory shortage may have backfired for the company in terms of supply, eventually leading to stock challenges.
When You Could Actually Buy One
Per widely corroborated reporting, the base iPhone 18, a new iPhone 18e, and the iPhone Air 2 are now expected in early 2027. Apple could unveil them in either March or April. For Indian buyers looking for a more affordable iPhone, you’ll have to wait another six to seven months to get your hands on it.
The bad news, however, is that the iPhone 18 could cost over ₹1 lakh at launch. After the September 9 launch event, Apple hiked the prices of its existing iPhones. The iPhone 17 (review) now costs ₹99,900 in India, up from its launch price of ₹82,900. Building up on that, the iPhone 18 could easily cost around ₹1,09,900 or ₹1,14,900 at launch.
Also Read: Apple Launches iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max With Variable Aperture and A20 Pro
I think Apple splitting its launches this way is a smarter long-term strategy. Whether Indian buyers embrace a twice-yearly iPhone rhythm the way they’ve embraced the September ritual for years, though, is genuinely an open question.
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