ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Apple’s new iPhone lineup skips the base model.
- It’s unlikely that Apple has outright killed off the iPhone 18.
- A spring iPhone event is possible.
Every year since about 2019, Apple has revealed a more affordable standard iPhone alongside its higher-end “Pro” variant, giving users two flagship tiers to choose from. However, with the reveal of the iPhone 18 Pro, the tech giant isn’t following that trend.
Also: iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone 17 Pro: Is Apple’s newest flagship really worth $100 more?
At its fall keynote, Apple revealed the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its long-awaited rumored foldable iPhone Duo. While the iPhone 18 Pro looks a lot like the iPhone 17 Pro, there are a few notable upgrades, including a variable aperture, a smaller Dynamic Island, and the more powerful, battery-efficient A20 Pro chip.
In the iPhone Duo’s case, the smartphone marks Apple’s first foray into the world of foldables. It’s about the size of a passport at 5.4-inches when folded, but it opens into a 7.6-inch screen. Oh, and the iPhone Duo also starts at an astounding $2,000.
If you’ve followed Apple’s smartphone release strategy in the past, you’re probably wondering where the iPhone 18 is, especially given the iPhone 17 was last year’s all-around best iPhone thanks to its 120Hz ProMotion OLED display. For example, last year Apple revealed the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, alongside the iPhone 17. (The company ditched the “Plus” base iPhone in 2025 with the iPhone 17 generation.)
Also: iPhone Duo or 18 Pro? 8 reasons why I’m skipping Apple’s first foldable
While we don’t know for sure yet, it’s unlikely that Apple has outright killed off the iPhone 18. Instead, the company probably wants the spotlight on its iPhone 18 Pro and the heavily hyped foldable iPhone Duo. Some reports also link the shift to rising component costs and Apple’s desire to spread sales throughout the year. Rumors from supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and several other reputable sources, including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, point to Apple holding a spring 2027 iPhone event focused on lower-end iPhone 18 devices and the iPhone Air 2.
In terms of upgrades and changes, the iPhone 18 is rumored to feature a 2nm A20 chip, more RAM (even amid the ongoing RAMpocalypse), a smaller Dynamic Island like the iPhone 18 Pro, and the new C2 modem chip feature in the iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone Duo.
At this spring iPhone event, Apple will also reportedly reveal the iPhone 18e, the follow-up to the iPhone 17e, alongside the iPhone Air 2. The iPhone 18e is expected to be very similar to the iPhone 17e, with an upgraded processor and 9GB of RAM (like the iPhone 18), while the 2nd-generation iPhone Air 2 will reportedly feature a second camera (probably an ultra-wide shooter) and a larger battery.
Also: iPhone Duo hands-on: The $2,000 foldable has some magical touches
A spring iPhone event isn’t totally new. Back in 2016, Apple revealed the original iPhone SE during a traditional keynote, and in the spring in 2021, Apple showed off a purple iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini alongside the M1 iMac, iPad Pro, and AirTag. Lastly, the company revealed its third-generation iPhone SE at an event in 2022.
With all of this in mind, there’s definitely still hope for an iPhone 18; we’ll likely just need to wait a few more months for its official reveal.
