For a long time, Apple has carried a legacy of launching a phone with its base model. But one strange thing happened at the Apple Event 2026: the brand skipped the Apple iPhone 18 from its iPhone 18 series. So, in the launch lineup, Apple included the Apple iPhone 18 Pro, Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the Apple iPhone Duo, which is the company’s first foldable iPhone.
But the question is: has Apple skipped its best-selling model this year, or has this happened due to the new CEO, rising RAM prices impacting the supply chain, or some other reason? Let’s break down everything.
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Why Is Apple Delaying the iPhone 18?
There is no official clarification on why Apple skipped the iPhone 18 at the September Apple Event. We all know that after Steve Jobs, Tim Cook has been carrying on Apple’s legacy for the last 15 years. But just before the Apple iPhone 18 series, John Ternus took over as the new Apple CEO. However, we can simply say that there is no influence from the new CEO in delaying the iPhone 18, because it is a long process that involves the entire team deciding which products should be developed or launched at an Apple Event.
There are possible reasons that I observed. One of the main reasons, I think, is a strategic move by Apple to help fulfil the demand for the Apple iPhone 17. We all know that we have seen a huge upgrade in the base model, with a 120Hz ProMotion display with Always-On support, an upgraded 18MP Center Stage front camera, and the A19 Pro chipset. These features are still worth it for most users and also make the iPhone 17 one of the best options compared with other phones in a similar price range.
The second reason is that Apple prioritised its fall 2026 event for high-end devices like the iPhone 18 Pro models and its new foldable device, the Apple iPhone Duo. So, the brand may not want to focus on too many phones and divide attention from its most-awaited foldable product, which is also Apple’s first foldable phone.
The third reason could be supply and yield management, of course. I think 2026 is the year when phones are facing significant RAM shortages and higher component prices. So, component and memory shortages may have factored into avoiding an overcrowded autumn lineup, allowing Apple more time to streamline manufacturing for the standard model.
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Will the iPhone 18 launch in 2027?
This is nothing new, as Apple has previously launched its cheaper iPhone models, such as the iPhone 16e and iPhone 17e, alongside other products in the March window. So, most reports now claim that Apple will release the standard iPhone 18 in March 2027.
In that window, we might see the iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2, alongside new iPads and MacBooks. Several reports have specifically pointed to March 2027 for these three iPhone models, making it increasingly likely that Apple is preparing a completely new launch strategy for its standard and more affordable iPhones.
If Apple follows this plan, the iPhone 18 would arrive around six months after the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, marking one of the biggest changes to Apple’s traditional iPhone launch cycle in years. Instead of launching the entire iPhone family together in September, Apple could spread its releases across the year, giving each model more time in the spotlight and potentially reducing competition between its own devices.
However, March 2027 is not officially confirmed by Apple yet. For now, it remains the expected launch window based on multiple reports and supply-chain indications.
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What will be different about the iPhone 18?
Till now, there have been spotlights on the Apple iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, but still, a few features are there that we can expect in iPhone 18:
- Expected launch: March–April 2027
- Display: 6.3-inch OLED Super Retina XDR
- Refresh rate: 120Hz ProMotion, expected
- Processor: Apple A20 chip, based on a 2nm process
- RAM: 9GB or 12GB
- Rear camera: 48MP main + 48MP ultrawide, expected
- Front camera: 24MP, expected
- Dynamic Island: Potentially smaller
- Camera Control: Possible simplified/pressure-sensitive version
- Modem: Apple C2 modem is expected
- Storage: 256GB and 512GB expected
- Charging: MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging; faster wired charging is also rumoured
- Software: iOS 27
- Design: Expected to retain a similar overall design to the iPhone 17
- AI: More Apple Intelligence features are expected, with increased RAM aimed at supporting on-device AI
How Much Will the iPhone 18 Cost in India?
Just after the Apple iPhone 18 Pro series launch, Apple increased the price of the Apple iPhone 17 by ₹17,000. As a result, the newer iPhone 17 price in India is now ₹99,999. Considering this, we might see the Apple iPhone 18 priced at around ₹99,999 in India, while the iPhone 17 could see a price cut to its original price of around ₹82,000.
If Apple follows this pricing strategy, the iPhone 18 could effectively replace the current iPhone 17 at the ₹99,999 price point, while the previous-generation iPhone 17 becomes a more affordable option. However, Apple has not officially confirmed the iPhone 18 price in India yet, so this should be treated as an expected price rather than the final figure.
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Verdict
Where Is the iPhone 18? Apple appears to be changing its traditional iPhone launch strategy by pushing the standard model to 2027, while focusing its 2026 event on the Pro models and its first foldable iPhone. Although the launch timing, specifications, and pricing are not officially confirmed, the reported March 2027 window could make the iPhone 18 one of Apple’s most interesting launches yet.
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