Apple’s manufacturing partner Pegatron has confirmed during its earnings call that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max remain on track for a September launch, while the base iPhone 18 is now expected only in the first quarter of 2027. Reports suggest the delay will also extend to the budget iPhone 18e and the second-generation iPhone Air, both expected to land alongside the standard model next spring.
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A Break From a Nine-Year Tradition
Every iPhone generation from the iPhone 11 through the iPhone 17 launched together each fall, with Pro and standard variants arriving side by side. This marks the first staggered release since 2017, when the iPhone 8 and iPhone X debuted separately. Analysts, including Ming-Chi Kuo, have pointed to the same shift, suggesting Apple is moving toward a twice-yearly release cadence.
Chip Shortages Driving the Decision
The primary driver behind the split is a tightening supply of memory chips and custom silicon. With component stock limited, Apple is reportedly directing available supply toward its higher-margin Pro devices first, prioritising holiday-quarter revenue over broad consumer access. Notably, Apple Intelligence features tied to iOS 27 require a minimum of 12GB of RAM, while the base iPhone 18 is expected to ship with only 8GB, keeping several headline AI features locked to Pro models well into 2027.
What It Means for Buyers
This fall’s Apple event, expected around September 9, will spotlight only the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and the company’s first foldable iPhone. Budget-conscious shoppers hoping for a new standard iPhone this holiday season will instead be left choosing between older models or paying a premium for Pro-tier hardware, at least until spring 2027.
