Apple to Split iPhone 18 Launch With Base Model Delayed to 2027

Apple is reportedly planning an unprecedented split launch for its iPhone 18 series, with premium models arriving in September 2026 and the standard base model delayed until early 2027. This significant departure from the company's traditional annual release schedule has been corroborated by multiple reports and supply chain signals.

According to a report from Taiwan's Economic Daily News, Apple supplier Pegatron indicated during its August 12, 2026, earnings call that one of its major customers will alter its usual smartphone shipment timeline. While not naming Apple directly, the report and subsequent analysis point to the tech giant as the customer in question. The information aligns with long-standing rumors from supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and others, who have suggested Apple would prioritize higher-margin devices amid component shortages.

The expected fall 2026 lineup would therefore include the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a rumored foldable "iPhone Ultra." The standard iPhone 18, along with the budget-friendly iPhone 18e and a new iPhone Air 2, is now anticipated to launch in the first quarter of 2027, potentially around March. This would mark the first...