Apple may postpone the launch of the base iPhone 18 until the first quarter of 2027, while keeping the iPhone 18 Pro series on its usual September 2026 schedule.
The latest indication has come from Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Pegatron, one of Apple’s major supply-chain partners. During its second-quarter earnings call, the company said customers were changing their shipment schedules because of shortages affecting memory and other semiconductor components.
Pegatron did not directly name Apple during the call. However, supply-chain reporting identified the company as the customer adopting the revised schedule.
Apple has not announced the iPhone 18 series or confirmed any launch dates.
Pro Models Expected to Arrive First
Under the reported plan, Apple will divide its next iPhone generation between two release periods.
The expected schedule is:
- iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max: September 2026
- Apple’s first foldable iPhone: Expected alongside the Pro models
- Standard iPhone 18: First quarter of 2027
- iPhone 18e: Expected in early 2027
- Second-generation iPhone Air: Also tipped for a 2027 release
The Pro models are reportedly still on track for Apple’s annual September launch window. The standard model would follow several months later, potentially between January and March 2027.
Apple has traditionally introduced its standard and Pro iPhones during the same September event. A delayed base model would leave the company without a new mainstream iPhone during the 2026 festive and year-end shopping season.
The iPhone 17 would remain Apple’s latest standard model until the iPhone 18 becomes available.
Component Shortages Affect Production Plans
Pegatron said smartphone companies are adjusting product schedules because supplies of memory chips and other components remain tight.
The electronics industry is dealing with higher demand for memory used in artificial intelligence servers and data centres. Manufacturers have directed more capacity towards these products, putting pressure on supplies available for smartphones and other consumer devices.
Advanced chip-packaging constraints have also affected production schedules. Reports indicate that some processors intended for future Apple devices have been waiting for memory components before final assembly can be completed.
The value of unfinished chips reportedly awaiting packaging has reached approximately $1 billion. Apple has not commented on that estimate.
Pegatron expects the memory shortage to continue for an extended period. The manufacturer indicated that supply and demand may not return to balance until 2028.
The company also expects its smartphone shipments to decline slightly during the year. It said consumer demand remains present, with component availability creating the main pressure on shipments.
Apple Reportedly Prioritising Premium Devices
Apple is expected to direct limited components towards its higher-priced models first. This would allow the company to launch the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and its first foldable handset in September.
The Pro series carries higher selling prices and margins than the standard iPhone. Prioritising those models would help Apple maintain its annual premium-device launch while delaying products sold at lower prices.
Similar reports about a split launch have circulated since 2025. Earlier supply-chain information also pointed to the standard iPhone 18 moving to spring 2027, while premium models remained scheduled for autumn 2026.
Another Apple component supplier, Largan Precision, previously indicated that product schedules could be affected by rising demand and supply constraints.
Six Models Reportedly Under Development
Identifiers found in an iOS 27 beta reportedly refer to six unreleased iPhone models. The references support reports that Apple is preparing devices for two separate launch periods.
The anticipated lineup includes the iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, a foldable model and a second-generation iPhone Air.
Reports suggest the standard iPhone 18 could use Apple’s next-generation A20 processor. The device is also tipped to retain a design close to the iPhone 17 rather than introducing a major visual change.
Details regarding memory, cameras, display specifications and pricing remain unconfirmed. Reports have offered different estimates for the standard model’s RAM, ranging between 9GB and 12GB.
Apple has not released official specifications for any iPhone 18 model.
Foldable iPhone Still Expected in 2026
Apple’s first foldable iPhone remains part of the reported September 2026 launch plan. The device is expected to join the Pro and Pro Max rather than launch with the standard iPhone in 2027.
The foldable model is widely expected to become the most expensive device in the lineup. Its official name, design, price and availability have not been confirmed.
The 2026 launch could therefore centre on Apple’s three most expensive new phones, while the standard, lower-cost and Air models move to the following year.
Apple normally confirms its iPhone event only shortly before the launch. Until the company issues an announcement, the split schedule and first-quarter 2027 release for the base iPhone 18 remain based on supply-chain information.
