Base iPhone 18 release delayed

The base model of the iPhone 18 is not coming in 2026 and will arrive in 2027 instead.

Base iPhone 18 will not be available next year

A new report shows Apple will skip the base iPhone 18 in the 2026 lineup. The base model will launch in early 2027, while the iPhone 18 Air, Pro and Pro Max are expected to arrive in September 2026. The foldable iPhone will also launch alongside the iPhone 18 and is billed as the next step up from the Pro Max. Earlier speculation had suggested the base model would debut with the Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup in early 2026, but the plan has shifted.

Apple argues the new cadence will boost overall sales, though critics question the logic. The report notes that Samsung has not altered its release schedule, with its Galaxy phones launching together early next year. A poll linked to the report shows public sentiment: 15.12% think the change will help sales, 45.93% say it will not change much, and 38.95% expect a negative effect on sales.

The move reflects a bold shift in how Apple plots upgrades, prioritizing higher margin Pro models and a foldable as a flagship. Yet it risks confusing buyers who expect a straightforward ladder of entry and upgrade options. The timing may push some consumers toward the Pro line, while leaving budget-minded buyers with fewer immediate choices. In a crowded market, Apple is testing whether delaying the base model builds anticipation or erodes perceived value. The comparison with Samsung highlights a broader industry question: should leaders accelerate cadence or stagger launches for sustained attention?

Highlights

The clock is ticking on whether timing will translate into real demand.