Since 2019, Apple has released a more affordable standard iPhone and a higher-end “Pro” variant, giving customers several flagship iPhones to choose from. Apple is deviating from its standard release schedule this year and splitting the release of the iPhone 18. We won’t get all iPhone 18 models in fall 2026, because Apple will keep the standard iPhone 18 until spring 2027. If you want an iPhone in the traditional September window, it will cost you this year. Fall 2026 iPhones Apple’s three most expensive iPhones will be unveiled at its iPhone event in September. iPhone 18 Pro: The iPhone 18 Pro will look like the iPhone 17 Pro, but is expected to have a smaller dynamic island and a variable aperture wide camera for more precise lighting adjustments. It will use Apple’s next-generation A20 chip built on a 2nm process. iPhone 18 Pro Max: The iPhone 18 Pro Max will be almost identical to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but could be a little thicker due to a larger battery. There is a possibility that the new camera will be limited to the Pro Max, but that is not confirmed. Both models will be available in a new dark cherry color. Foldable iPhone: Apple’s first foldable iPhone could be called iPhone Ultra. When closed, it will measure around 5.5 inches and when open, it will measure around 7.8 inches. It will be similar in size and aspect ratio to an iPad mini in landscape mode, with new app multitasking features. It will have Touch ID instead of Face ID and will be limited to a two-camera system. Several analysts agree that the iPhone 18 Pro models will be more expensive than their iPhone 17 Pro counterparts. The memory supply shortage has raised the cost of DRAM for the consumer and Apple is having to pay much more for memory. Some of the cost increase will be offset by discounts Apple has negotiated on other components like the display, but an increase seems inevitable after June’s price hikes on Macs and iPads. Analysts have estimated a price increase of between $100 and $300 for both models. Current pricing starts at $1,099 for the iPhone 17 Pro and $1,199 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Since there is currently no foldable iPhone, there is no set price. Rumors suggest it will cost between $2,000 and $2,500 and could absorb some of the higher component costs of the iPhone 18 Pro. Spring 2027 iPhones iPhone 18: The iPhone 18 will have a 2nm A20 chip, more RAM, a smaller Dynamic Island, and a new C2 modem chip. Apple could downgrade the screen to save money and the device could share more components with the iPhone 18e. iPhone 18e: The iPhone 18e will follow the iPhone 17e. It is expected to get an updated chip and 9GB of RAM. iPhone Air 2: Apple is planning a second-generation iPhone Air that could launch alongside the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e. Rumors suggest you could get a second camera for better value (likely an Ultra Wide) and a larger battery. What’s next? After launching the iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 in spring 2027, it’s unclear whether Apple will continue with the split spring/fall release strategy or return to its standard schedule. There are rumors that a 20th anniversary iPhone will arrive in the fall of 2027 and it looks like a high-end device. Apple could choose to maintain the calendar change it is making between 2026 and 2027 because it will better distribute iPhone sales throughout the year.
