No iPhone 18 in 2026? Why Apple’s Next iPhone Lineup Might Skip the Baseline Mode

By Shikhar Mehrotra • Updated On 18 Aug 2025

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TL; DR

A new report from the Korean tech outlet ETNews suggests that there’ll be no baseline iPhone 18 in 2026.
Does this mean that Apple is bidding farewell to the baseline iPhone that’s within the reach of many more customers than the Pro models? Fortunately, the answer is no.
While this makes perfect sense for the Cupertino giant’s business, it might not be good news for prospective buyers or enthusiasts who are planning to upgrade in 2027.

In May 2025, we published a report based on renowned industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo’s claim on Apple’s new bi-annual release plan. The report elaborated on how the company could follow a usual release schedule in 2025 but break that trend in 2026, wherein the baseline iPhone 18 might not be a part of the September 2026 launch event.

Also Read: iPhone 17 Pro & iPhone 17 Pro Max Price: What To Expect?

iPhone 18 Could Arrive In The Spring of 2027

Now, a new report from the Korean tech outlet ETNews corroborates the same theory, suggesting that there’ll be no baseline iPhone 18 in 2026. Instead, Apple could release the iPhone 18 Air (successor to the purported iPhone 17 Air model), and two iPhone 18 Pro models (the Pro and the Pro Max), along with its first foldable at the September 2026 launch event.

Does this mean that Apple is bidding farewell to the baseline iPhone that’s within the reach of many more customers than the Pro models? Fortunately, the answer is no. Apparently, Apple isn’t planning on killing the vanilla iPhone 18, but it sure is planning to reschedule its launch in Spring 2027, along with the purported iPhone 18e (the successor to Apple’s iPhone 17e).

Also Read: iPhone 17 Air To Get A Binned A19 Pro, iPhone 18 Could Feature Apple’s First 2nm Chip

Why is Apple Shifting The Launch Of the Baseline iPhone 18?

While this makes perfect sense for the Cupertino giant’s business, it might not be good news for prospective buyers or enthusiasts who were either planning to upgrade in 2027 or upgrade every year to the baseline iPhone. Let me explain.

With the regular iPhone 18’s launch moved over to Spring 2027, Apple will still offer its high-end iPhones in September 2026, which command a higher price tag, and therefore, bring in more money for the company.
On the flip side, buyers who’ll upgrade in September 2026 won’t have the relatively affordable iPhone 18 as an option, and might end up spending more than they initially planned to get the Air, Pro, or Pro Max model.

Also Read: iPhone 17 Pro Roundup: New Back Panel, A19 Pro Chip, 48MP Telephoto Camera, And Everything Else We Know

The removal of the baseline iPhone 18 from the September 2026 launch could also be a conscious decision to keep the sales alive throughout the Spring season. I could also see prospective Pro or Pro Max buyers opt for the foldable iPhone instead, but it will be among the most expensive options in the market.

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Shikhar Mehrotra

Shikhar Mehrotra is a seasoned technology writer and reviewer with over five years of experience covering consumer tech across India and global markets. At Smartprix, he has authored more than 1,700 articles, including news stories, features, comparisons, and product reviews spanning automobiles, smartphones, chipsets, wearables, laptops, home appliances, and operating systems. Shikhar has reviewed flagship devices such as the iPhone 16, Galaxy S25+, and Sennheiser HD 505 Open-Ear headphones. He also contributes regularly to Smartprix’s growing automotive section.

With a deep understanding of both iOS and Android ecosystems, Shikhar specializes in daily tech news, how-to explainers, product comparisons, and in-depth reviews. His DSLR photography in product reviews is recognized as among the best on the team.

Before joining Smartprix, Shikhar wrote for leading publications including Forbes Advisor India, Republic World, and ScreenRant. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from Amity University, Lucknow.

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