Image: Apple
If you watched Apple's September 2026 event, you may have noticed something was missing from the iPhone 18 series launch: the actual iPhone 18.
The base-model iPhone 18 isn't coming out this fall. Instead, Apple decided to split its release and unveil its premium iPhone 18 Pro models and iPhone Duo in September and October. The regular iPhone 18—the phone most people actually buy—is expected to be delayed until spring 2027. Based on previous iPhone release dates, we expect it will come out in March with the iPhone 18e.
The major consequence of this decision is that the iPhone 17 and iPhone 16 both received surprise $100 price hikes when the iPhone 18 Pro was revealed, meaning you're stuck paying more no matter what your next iPhone is.
Apple hasn't explained any of these changes, but most experts think it's due to several factors, including RAM shortages and a desire to compete more directly with other phone manufacturers that split their release schedule.
Why was the iPhone 18 delayed?
Apple hasn't given an official reason for delaying the iPhone 18, but it's likely due to two main factors:
- Supply chain issues with sourcing RAM due to the global memory shortage
- Wanting to compete more directly with companies like Samsung
No matter the reason, this is a major departure from how Apple normally operates. Apple has not released a flagship iPhone outside of September or October since the iPhone 4, which came out in June of 2010. With a shift this large, it's a good bet that Apple intends to have a spring and fall cadence going forward with its future releases.
Factor 1: The RAM and component shortage
The AI-driven global memory shortage has been roiling the tech industry since 2025. It's touched everything from smartphones and laptops to gaming consoles and PCs. Apple is struggling to get enough chips for its products, and what is available is more expensive than ever. The company was even forced to raise prices on MacBooks, iPads, the Apple TV box, and the Vision Pro earlier this year.
Building the entire iPhone 18 lineup in one production window would mean Apple is competing with itself for those limited components. Spreading the lineup across two release windows gives Apple more room to source what it needs at potentially friendlier prices.
Factor 2: Competing with Samsung's calendar
The other possibility is Apple wants to compete more directly with other smartphone manufacturers. Samsung specifically already splits its own lineup this way, with the Galaxy S flagship usually coming in January or February, and its foldables later in the summer, around July or August.
The benefit of this cadence is that Samsung has plenty of time to focus on both types of devices during its events. It also gives two sales windows throughout the year, allowing Samsung to release ads targeting both foldables and standard smartphone customers for several months.
Apple's new split looks extremely similar. Premium devices like the iPhone's Pro and Duo models will stay on Apple's traditional September timeline, while the base and budget models move to the spring for their own event.
What about the iPhone Air?
The iPhone Air wasn't part of the September event lineup. While it's technically a premium model, the iPhone Air models may actually come out as part of the spring lineup instead.
On the other hand, the iPhone Air did not meet Apple's sales expectations, so the company may simply cancel the devices as they did with the Plus, S, and Mini models of the past. There are rumors a revamped iPhone Air 2 is in the works, but it's not clear if Apple will work to make the device cheaper as an alternative to the base-model iPhone, or add more features to make it a true part of the Pro and Duo family.
What iPhones shipped in September 2026?
While the iPhone 18 did not come out in September of 2026, Apple did announce the 18 series Pro models and a brand-new foldable iPhone:
- iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: announced September 9, releasing September 18, 2026
- iPhone Duo: announced September 9, releasing October 23, 2026
As premium models, these iPhones also came with premium pricing. The iPhone Duo specifically is the most expensive iPhone ever created. Here's how the pricing of Apple's September 2026 devices comes out:
- iPhone 18 Pro: From $1,199
- iPhone 18 Pro Max: From $1,299
- iPhone Duo: From $1,999
The delay consequence: Your "cheap" iPhone just got more expensive
The delay of the iPhone 18 wasn't the only negative story to come out of Apple's September event. As the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo made their premiere, Apple quietly raised prices on all its other iPhones the same day. The iPhone 17, 17e, and Air are now more expensive than they've ever been, and the iPhone 16 is back up to its 2024 launch price.
The updated iPhone pricing looks like this:
- iPhone 16: $799 (up from $699)
- iPhone 17e: $699 (up from $599)
- iPhone 17: $899 (up from $799)
- iPhone Air: $1,099 (up from $999)
Because the base iPhone 18 was delayed, the iPhone 17 is stuck as Apple's "newest" iPhone for the next six months. Instead of getting the usual post-launch discount or simply maintaining prices until the 18 is released, Apple chose to raise the prices of its aging hardware. If you were planning to wait for a deal on last year's model, that's no longer an option directly from Apple.
You can still find the iPhone 17 for lower prices:
For now, the price increase on older models is limited to the Apple Store. Carriers and third-party retailers like Walmart and Best Buy haven't raised prices yet. If you shop around, you can still find the iPhone 17, 17e, 16, and Air at their previous pricing.
What this means if you want the iPhone 18
The good news is the iPhone 18 is still coming. It's just taking a little longer to get here than usual. Apple has not said it's skipping the iPhone 18, and all leaks and rumors are pointing towards a new event to announce it in March.
The bad news is we don't know Apple's plans with pricing or the future of the iPhone 17. As I wrote when these hikes first landed, my bet is that the iPhone 17's new $899 price is designed to set the stage for the iPhone 18 to launch at the same price next spring. At that point, the iPhone 17 may drop back down to its original $799 price as part of the normal "previous generation" discount. However, it's also possible the iPhone 18 could launch at $999, allowing the iPhone 17 to keep its current elevated price.
iPhone 18 delay: FAQ
Will there still be a base iPhone 18?
Yes, the base iPhone 18 is still coming. It's delayed, not cancelled, and is expected in spring 2027 with the iPhone 18e.
Why did the iPhone 17 get more expensive instead of cheaper?
Because the base iPhone 18 was delayed, the iPhone 17 is still Apple's newest base-model iPhone. Apple decided to raise its price rather than discount it when the iPhone 18 Pro was released. It's not clear if the iPhone 17 will get a discount when the iPhone 18 comes out in the spring of 2027.
When is the iPhone 18e coming out?
The iPhone 18e is expected to be released in the spring of 2027 with the iPhone 18.
Max McCaskill
Sr. Staff Writer
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