What's special about the iPhone 18?

The iPhone 18 is expected to launch in 2026 with many notable changes. So what makes the iPhone 18 so special and worth waiting for? Here's the latest information about the iPhone 18 .

iPhone 18 release date

Based on Apple's established launch schedule, the iPhone 18 series is expected to launch in September 2026, possibly around September 8th if previous announcements are accurate.

Here is a schedule of recent iPhone model releases:

1. iPhone 17: September 9, 2025
2. iPhone 16: September 9, 2024
3. iPhone 15: September 12, 2023
4. iPhone 14: September 7, 2022
5. iPhone 13: September 14, 2021
6. iPhone 12: October 13, 2020 (delayed due to Covid)

Typically, pre-orders for the device begin on the Friday following the announcement, and the phones will be shipped a week later.

However, it seems there will be a change in 2026. Leaked information suggests that Apple may separate the announcement and launch dates of the iPhone 18 models.

According to this scenario, the high-end models – the expected foldable iPhone, iPhone Pro, and Pro Max – would launch as usual in September. But the basic iPhone 18 and the cheaper iPhone 18e would launch at an event in spring 2027. It is still unconfirmed which event the iPhone Air 2 is likely to launch at.

The latest supply chain rumors suggest that the foldable display design has been finalized and is undergoing technical testing before mass production.

Price of iPhone 18

The price of the iPhone 18 may be affected by current tariffs. For the foldable iPhone, the suggested starting price is between $1,999 and $2,500, with the latest figure being $2,399. These rumored prices are based on analysts' estimates and current manufacturing costs of components including the hinge, plus supply chain rumors and market factors. Therefore, these figures are subject to change frequently.

However, the foldable iPhone is expected to be priced similarly to or higher than the Samsung Z Fold 7. The Z Fold 7 starts at $1,999 in the US, while it starts at £1,799 in the UK.

There is currently no official information regarding the price of the iPhone 18.

Which model will Apple release?

As usual, the standard iPhone 18, the upgraded iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, and the iPhone Fold are almost certainly going to appear.

The latest information regarding the supply chain further confirms this, with reports suggesting that Apple has finalized the design of its foldable phone, resolving the tricky screen crease issue. Meanwhile, numerous other leaks appear to confirm the screen details of other models.

However, what we don't know is which iPhone 18 models will be available in September 2026. Currently, predictions suggest that the Pro, Pro Max, and Fold versions will launch around that time, while the basic iPhone 18 model will launch alongside the 18e version in the spring.

Key specifications and features of the iPhone 18

Design

The iPhone's design typically remains largely unchanged year after year, and current rumors suggest this trend will continue. The screen sizes of the three models appear to remain the same – 6.3 and 6.9 inches respectively – with minor design differences in the rear camera module. A source on Weibo also hinted that Apple's brightness requirements are very stringent, potentially leading to OLED supply issues. This has led some to suspect that the display will be significantly brighter.

The standard iPhone 18 is rumored to have a smaller camera module compared to its predecessor, while the Pro and Pro Max versions will retain the wider "plateau" to house the three rear cameras. The Pro version is expected to feature a stainless steel vapor chamber and transparent glass that could help improve heat dissipation.

These phones are once again expected to feature durable ceramic and titanium components – but Apple may consider replacing the anodized coating currently used on the aluminum iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models with a more scratch-resistant material.

Foldable iPhone

This is currently the most talked-about iPhone 18 model. Apple's top priority is eliminating the crease on the screen when the phone is unfolded. The Fold's inner screen is a Samsung design, but the hinge, panel structure, and lamination method are all Apple's. And it is this hinge design that will prevent permanent creases on the screen.

Samsung Display showcased a concept phone with a notched display at CES, and according to rumors, it uses technology developed for Apple.

Additionally, the latest leaks suggest users can expect a fairly large foldable phone, with a 7.58-inch main screen and a 5.25-inch external screen. The screens will be unlocked via a Touch ID button on the side to help keep the device slim and compact.

Expected configuration

1. CPU: Apple A20 chip (2nm process)
2. RAM: 12 GB
3. Battery: approximately 3692 mAh
4. Charging: Wired 40W, Wireless 25W, MagSafe, Qi2
5. Internal storage: 256GB, 512GB
6. Camera specifications: 48 MP main camera, 48 MP ultra-wide-angle camera, 24 MP selfie camera.