iPhone 18 release date expectations, price estimates, and upgrades
The iPhone 17 for illustrative purposes. | Image by PhoneArena
What's expected to change vs iPhone 17:
- Minimal or no change in design
- Faster and more power-efficient 2nm A20 chip
- May not get the rumored 12 GB RAM upgrade; instead, rumors claim 9 GB of RAM
- Some rumors indicate a smaller Dynamic Island
- Simplified Camera control button
- Slimmer bezels
- No camera upgrades
- iOS 27 and Siri with a standalone app
- May be very similar in terms of internal design to the iPhone 18e
- Apple may also include an iPhone 18 Plus or iPhone Air 2 alongside the iPhone 18
Expected release timeline:
- Expected to come in the spring of 2027.
- Apple is rumored to change its iPhone release schedule, which is why the base iPhone 18 may come out in the spring, instead of in the fall alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.
Expected price:
- Potentially the same as the iPhone 17's (starting at $799).
- Chip shortage could influence a price hike.
Jump to:
iPhone 18 release date
If the expected changes in Apple's iPhone release schedule pan out, the iPhone 18 is likely to come in spring 2027, accompanied by an iPhone 18e.
| Device family | Announcement | Market release |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 18 | Spring 2027* | Spring 2027* |
| Apple iPhone 17 | September 9, 2025 | September 19, 2025 |
| Apple iPhone 16 | September 9, 2024 | September 20, 2024 |
| Apple iPhone 15 | Sept 12, 2023 | Sept 22, 2023 |
* - probable dates
Reportedly, Apple changed its release strategy to maximize revenue and profits from the Pro-branded iPhones. Rumors about the delay are now practically confirmed by a new leak, which indicates the iPhone 18 is indeed coming in 2027.
The iPhone 18 may also be joined by the second-generation iPhone Air. The iPhone Air 2 is expected to be the super-thin 2027 model, unless the Cupertino tech giant decides to cancel it just as Samsung reportedly did with the Galaxy S26 Edge.
Meanwhile, Apple may opt for an iPhone 18 Plus instead of an iPhone Air 2, according to some analysts.
iPhone 18 price
Pricing for the iPhone 18 is genuinely up in the air right now, with credible sources pointing in different directions.
| iPhone model | 128GB of storage | 256GB of storage | 512GB of storage | 1TB of storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 | - | $799* | $999* | - |
| iPhone 17 | - | $799 | $999 | - |
| iPhone 16 | $799 | $899 | $999 | - |
*- anticipated prices
On the optimistic side, reputable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested Apple may hold the line on pricing, keeping the iPhone 18 at the same $799 starting point as the iPhone 17. Apple is also reportedly planning a simpler manufacturing process for the base iPhone 18 – similar to the approach used on the iPhone 18e – which could help keep costs down.
On the other hand, Apple CEO Tim Cook recently stated that price hikes are unavoidable, though he didn't specify by how much or which models would be affected. One rumor suggests higher-capacity iPhone 18 storage tiers may be where the increases land, even if the base price holds steady.
On the other hand, Apple CEO Tim Cook recently stated that price hikes are unavoidable, though he didn't specify by how much or which models would be affected. One rumor suggests higher-capacity iPhone 18 storage tiers may be where the increases land, even if the base price holds steady.
For context, Apple's main US competitor Samsung raised the prices of the base Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus by $100 this year, while keeping the Ultra's starting price the same but bumping higher-storage tiers. Apple may be weighing a similar approach.
Until Apple confirms pricing in September 2026, treat the figures in the table above as educated estimates.
iPhone 18 camera
Details about the camera system of the iPhone 18 have not appeared in leaks just yet. The vanilla model likely won't get the variable aperture feature rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.
That said, the regular iPhone 18 should still be highly capable when it comes to photography. It will probably stick with the high-quality setup from the iPhone 17, which already boasts a great 48 MP ultra-wide lens and a capable 18 MP Center Stage selfie camera.
Some rumors claim the iPhone 18 is getting an upgrade in the selfie camera to 24 MP.
iPhone 18 expected camera setup:
- 48 MP main camera
- 48 MP ultra-wide camera
- 24 MP Center Stage front camera
The iPhone 17 handles tricky lighting and high-contrast scenes beautifully. For video, it currently maxes out at 4K at 60 fps, which is perfect for most people, even though it lacks the 129 fps Pro modes.
iPhone 18 storage
In 2025, Apple officially retired the 128 GB entry-level storage option with the iPhone 17. You can also expect the iPhone 18 to start with at least 256 GB of storage as the new standard.
iPhone 18 expected storage capacity:
- 256 GB
- 512 GB
Unfortunately for digital hoarders, though, a 1 TB option may not be available for 2027's base iPhone.
Meanwhile, rumors are now claiming that even the base iPhone 18 will come with 12 GB of RAM. If true, that would be great for multitasking and AI.
iPhone 18 design
The iPhone 17. | Image by PhoneArena
The iPhone 18 is currently expected to come with the same design as its predecessor, albeit with some small tweaks here and there.
One small change may be a streamlined Camera Control button. Instead of removing the button entirely as previously rumored, Apple may look to simplify its design. The button is said to rely on pressure instead of featuring a touch-sensitive surface.
This change may lead to a sleeker design and lower costs, while the button would still be capable enough to recognize light taps vs. firm pressure.
Meanwhile, at the front, earlier rumors claimed that the Dynamic Island may become smaller thanks to Apple being able to put some Face ID sensors under the display.
IceUniverse shared an image showing the potential difference on the Pro models:
The Dynamic Island may potentially get smaller. | Image by Ice Universe
Keep in mind that the smaller Dynamic Island might only be available on the Pro-branded iPhone 18 models.
As for the rest of the design, expect the familiar mix of aluminum and glass and some fresh colors.
European buyers are said to get eSIM-only iPhones with the iPhone 18, just like buyers in the States. That would help the Cupertino giant offer larger batteries by taking advantage of the free space that used to be reserved for the physical SIM slot.
There are also reports that Apple may use a less complex (and cheaper) manufacturing process for the base iPhone 18. The manufacturing process was not detailed, but it is said the model may borrow more parts from the iPhone 17 instead of getting a total overhaul.
iPhone 18 display
The iPhone 18 may sport the same 6.3-inch OLED Super Retina XDR screen as its predecessor, the iPhone 17.
| Phone Name | Screen size | Brightness |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 | 6.3 inches* | 3,000* |
| iPhone 17 | 6.3 inches | 3,000 |
* - anticipated sizes
The iPhone 17 bumped the display size up from the iPhone 16's 6.1-inch screen. The screen also had thinner edges. The 18 is likely to inherit this display.
One feature you can likely count on is ProMotion. Apple finally brought the 120Hz refresh rate to the standard model with the iPhone 17, and it is expected to keep it for the iPhone 18.
This means you'll continue to enjoy super-smooth scrolling, fluid animations, and the convenience of an always-on display.
If Apple decides to include an iPhone 18 Plus model, as some rumors indicate, it's likely to come with a 6.7-inch display just like the iPhone 16 Plus, and it will likely also support ProMotion.
iPhone 18 battery
The iPhone 17. | Image by PhoneArena
So far, leaks haven't pointed to a bump in battery size for the iPhone 18.
The iPhone 17's battery capacity is 3,692 mAh, and in terms of performance, it offers roughly the same battery life as the iPhone 16.
A quick note: Apple doesn't publicly disclose battery capacities in mAh – the 3,692mAh figure cited above was determined through hands-on testing by PhoneArena and other outlets, not from Apple directly. Any capacity figures for the iPhone 18 that surface before launch should be treated the same way: as estimates based on leaks or teardown measurements, not confirmed specs.
A quick note: Apple doesn't publicly disclose battery capacities in mAh – the 3,692mAh figure cited above was determined through hands-on testing by PhoneArena and other outlets, not from Apple directly. Any capacity figures for the iPhone 18 that surface before launch should be treated the same way: as estimates based on leaks or teardown measurements, not confirmed specs.
iPhones are usually excellent at optimizing performance and power, and Apple's new Apple Intelligence features should help conserve even more battery life.
Additionally, the 2nm A20 chip expected to power the iPhone 18 will be highly efficient, which should help prolong battery life.
Despite that, however, iPhones are relatively behind some competitors when it comes to battery size. A recent rumor indicates that Apple is working on a new type of battery for the iPhone 18. Hints indicate it could be a "pure silicon" battery, which would be something entirely new on the market.
The rumor claims Apple plans to do that to celebrate the symbolic nature of the 20th anniversary model. It is not currently known if this tech would come to fruition in time for the iPhone 18 or if Apple will choose this path at all.
Meanwhile, rumor has it that iOS 27 is also going to improve the battery life on iPhones.
For reference, in our battery life tests, the iPhone 17 performed similarly to the iPhone 16, scoring 16 hours and 47 minutes of continuous browsing, 7 hours and 19 minutes of video streaming, and 7 hours and 40 minutes of gaming.
iPhone 18 features and software
The iPhone 18 is expected to come with iOS 27. iOS 26 brought a huge redesign along with the rebranding of all Apple OSes. Apple just announced iOS 27 during WWDC 2026, and it's finally bringing the long-awaited context-aware Siri.
Called Siri AI, the digital assistant is finally catching up to Gemini and ChatGPT and will be able to process natural language, interact with your apps on your behalf, and even see what's on your screen.
A dedicated Siri app would allow you to re-enter previous conversations and perform all sorts of actions or brainstorm with AI. Meanwhile, iOS 27 is integrating Apple Intelligence features across the board, with many Apple apps getting an AI revamp, including Photos, Mail, Safari, and Shortcuts.
iPhone 18 hardware and specs
iPhone 18's expected specs:
- CPU: Apple A20 chip (2nm process)
- RAM: 9 GB or 12 GB
- Battery: around 3,692 mAh (estimated)
- Charging: 40W wired, 25W wireless, MagSafe, Qi2
- Storage: 256, 512GB
- Camera setup: 48 MP main, 48 MP ultra-wide, 24 MP selfie
Currently, leaks are quiet on whether Apple is planning another upgrade to the iPhone 18 charging speeds, but the iPhone 17 did bring an upgrade here and can charge up to 40 W with a compatible charger, double the charging speed of the iPhone 16.
The iPhone 18 will likely support MagSafe and Qi2 charging. Maybe we'll see an upgrade in the wireless charging speed (maxes out at 25W on the iPhone 17), but it's a bit early to tell for certain.
The iPhone 18 will likely support MagSafe and Qi2 charging. Maybe we'll see an upgrade in the wireless charging speed (maxes out at 25W on the iPhone 17), but it's a bit early to tell for certain.
As for RAM, the iPhone 17 kept the 8 GB of RAM, while all the other models in the iPhone 17 series jumped to 12 GB. Some rumors claim that Apple may upgrade the iPhone 18's RAM to 12 GB in 2027.
Directly contradicting this rumor is analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who claims the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e may only get 9 GB of RAM.
The company is slated to pack six 1.5-gig dies together to hit that 9GB sweet spot. In tech terms, a 'die' is simply an individual piece of silicon containing the microscopic circuitry. The upgrade would be minor in comparison to the 8 GB of RAM on the 17.
The company is slated to pack six 1.5-gig dies together to hit that 9GB sweet spot. In tech terms, a 'die' is simply an individual piece of silicon containing the microscopic circuitry. The upgrade would be minor in comparison to the 8 GB of RAM on the 17.
Should I wait for the iPhone 18?
- You should wait for the iPhone 18 if you are holding onto an iPhone 15 or an older device, waiting for the iPhone 18 is the most strategic move. Since Apple is shifting its launch strategy to a rumored spring release window, holding out allows you to get a monumental 2nm A20 chip, a substantial 12 GB RAM upgrade built specifically to handle next-generation Apple Intelligence, and a baseline that finally standardizes a generous 256 GB of entry storage.
- You should not wait for the iPhone 18 if you need an immediate phone replacement or are eyeing the current generation, there is very little reason to keep waiting. The iPhone 17 is already an exceptional flagship that introduced a smooth 120Hz ProMotion display, thinner bezels, and faster 40W charging – features the iPhone 18 will simply inherit rather than upgrade. Purchasing an iPhone 17 right now guarantees you elite day-to-day performance, excellent battery life, and modern Apple Intelligence features immediately, saving you from a multi-month waiting game for minor iterative updates.
Latest rumors about the iPhone 18:
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