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This year's launch represents a major change from Apple's traditional September release strategy. Rather than introducing a standard iPhone 18 alongside its Pro models, Apple is leading with its premium devices.
If you're trying to decide whether to buy an iPhone 17 now or hold out for the iPhone 18 series, here's everything we've heard about Apple's 2026 iPhone lineup, including the iPhone 18 release date, specs, prices, and colors.
Read on to see if the upcoming iPhone 18 series is right for you. Or, if you want to see what's available right now, our iPhone 17 model comparison breaks down every current model.
iPhone 18 release date
Apple is splitting its iPhone 18 lineup across two separate launch windows rather than releasing everything at once.
iPhone 18 series rumored release dates
| Device | Rumored release |
|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro | September 2026 (confirmed) |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | September 2026 (confirmed) |
| iPhone Duo | September 2026 (confirmed) |
| iPhone 18 | Spring 2027 |
| iPhone 18e | Spring 2027 |
The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Duo were announced on September 9th, 2026, and are slated for a September 18 release. The standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are reportedly being pushed to spring 2027, around the time that the new iPhone "e" series has been released in previous years.
The new lineup will launch alongside iOS 27, which Apple officially announced at WWDC on June 8, 2026. iOS 27 brings a fully rebuilt Siri powered by Apple Intelligence, new parental controls, and AI-powered photo editing tools. It's expected to roll out to compatible iPhones around September 15, just before the new devices ship.
For a full look at Apple's historical launch patterns, see our iPhone release dates guide.
iPhone 18 models and prices
The iPhone 18 Pro series and iPhone Duo are be among the most expensive iPhones ever released. The starting price for the base storage capacity (256GB) for the 18 Pro is $1,199, which is $100 more expensive than the iPhone 17 Pro at launch. The foldable iPhone Duo starts at $1,999, with higher storage configurations costing even more. That makes it the most expensive iPhone Apple has ever sold.
iPhone 18 series rumored prices
| Device | Rumored price |
|---|---|
| iPhone 18 | $899 |
| iPhone 18 Pro | $1,199 (confirmed) |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | $1,299 (confirmed) |
| iPhone Duo | $1,999 (confirmed) |
| iPhone 18e | $599 |
We suspect the iPhone 18e is likely to stay at $599. As the iPhone's budget-level option, it has been launched at that price for the past two generations, and Apple would likely consider removing features before raising the price.
We also expect a price increase to the standard iPhone 18 next year. Samsung raised the Galaxy S26 to $899, a $100 jump over its predecessor. This may give Apple room to do the same with the iPhone 18, especially since the company has avoided raising prices for years despite inflation and supply chain issues. Just in case you want to upgrade but can't pay the full price outright, Apple's debuting Apple Upgrade, a leasing program with monthly installments.
iPhone 18 series: Design and colors
Visually, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max continue many of the design ideas Apple introduced with the iPhone 17 Pro.
The iPhone 18 Pro series stays similar to the design staples of the iPhone 17 Pro series, with the same general shape and triple-lens camera bump on the back. Internal changes include a larger battery, a revamped cooling system, and new A20 Pro chip packaging. A noticeable change is a smaller Dynamic Island, which can now display three Live Activities simultaneously.
The brand-new iPhone Duo is Apple's first foldable iPhone. Closed, the Duo uses a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR outer display, which Apple says provides 90% of the screen area of an iPhone 18 Pro despite the phone's more compact footprint.
The inner display reduces glare, reflections, and crease visibility via a nano-texture finish, along with a hidden FaceTime camera beneath the inner display that disappears when not in use. Face ID is also changing, with a side Touch ID button that lets you access the phone whether it's open or closed.
With the iPhone 18 launch reportedly delayed to spring, there aren't many design rumors yet. That said, since the iPhone 16 and 17 offered a relatively new design with the new Camera Button, it's unlikely that this will be a major redesign year. Apple tends to keep the same design for three to four generations before making major changes.
iPhone 18 colors
The iPhone 18 Pro series has launched in Black, Silver, Glacier, and an all-new Burgundy finish.
The iPhone Duo's colors are more basic, offering Star White and Night Sky.
Since the standard iPhone 18 and 18e are not expected until spring 2027, there are no color rumors for those models yet.
iPhone 18 features: Specs and hardware
A20 chip processor
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are the first iPhones powered by Apple's new A20 chip, built on a new 2nm process. In practical terms, that means a meaningful speed bump, with sources suggesting a roughly 15% faster performance over the current A19 chip.
iPhone 18 Pro cameras
The main camera on both 18 Pro models now feature variable aperture, meaning the lens can let users adjust how much light it lets in based on shooting conditions. Both Pro models have kept their current 48MP main cameras.
iPhone 18 series rumors: FAQ
When will the iPhone 18 be released?
The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max were announced on September 9th, 2026, with a release date of September 18. The standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are reportedly delayed until spring 2027.
Will Apple release a foldable iPhone in 2026?
Yes, Apple has released the foldable iPhone Duo in the fall of 2026, starting around $1,999.
What chip will the iPhone 18 use?
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max feature Apple's new A20 chip, which runs on a 2nm process, with roughly 15% better performance than the current generation. The standard iPhone 18, arriving in spring 2027, is also expected to use the A20.
Will Apple release an iPhone 18 Pro series?
Yes, Apple has released an iPhone 18 Pro series. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max feature upgrades to the main camera, the new A20 chip, and updated colors like deep Burgundy.
Max McCaskill
Sr. Staff Writer
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