iPhone 18 base model delayed to 2026, Pro launches fall

Apple will not launch its standard iPhone 18 this fall, according to a report from Economic Daily News. Executives at Apple supplier Pegatron confirmed during an earnings call that only the iPhone 18 Pro series will ship in autumn 2026, while the base iPhone 18 is delayed until the first quarter of 2027.

The delay affects consumers waiting for the more affordable iPhone 18, as well as Apple’s product lineup. The report also indicates that the lower-cost iPhone 18e and a new iPhone Air are expected to launch around the same time as the base model, in early 2027. This aligns with rumors that have circulated for more than a year.

The staggered release matters because it shifts Apple’s typical annual iPhone cycle. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and The Information both reported in 2025 that Apple planned to launch only its premium iPhones in fall 2026. Earlier in 2026, another Apple supplier said one of its customers was postponing a phone launch to early 2027.

Alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple’s rumored “Ultra” foldable is also expected to launch this fall, according to the Economic Daily News report. Pegatron executives cited memory and chip shortages as the reason for shifting peak shipping seasons. They said customers like Apple are spreading out available parts and increasingly prioritizing higher-priced models with larger margins.

The change suggests Apple is adapting its supply chain strategy amid component constraints. The base iPhone 18’s delay to the first quarter of 2027 means a longer wait for many buyers, while premium models arrive first to maximize profitability.