Since 2019, Apple has released a more affordable standard iPhone and a higher-end "Pro" variant, giving customers multiple flagship iPhones to choose from. Apple is deviating from its standard release timeline this year and splitting the iPhone 18 launch.
We didn't get all of the iPhone 18 models in fall 2026 because Apple is holding the standard iPhone 18 until spring 2027. If you want an iPhone in the traditional September timeframe, your only options are the Pro or Duo models.
Fall 2026 iPhones
Apple introduced the fall 2026 iPhones in September, debuting the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Duo.
- iPhone 18 Pro - The iPhone 18 Pro looks the iPhone 17 Pro, but it has a smaller Dynamic Island and a variable aperture Wide camera for more precise lighting adjustments. It's equipped with Apple's next-generation A20 Pro chip built on a 2nm process.
- iPhone 18 Pro Max - The iPhone 18 Pro Max is nearly identical to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but it's a little heavier because it has a bigger battery. It has the same features as the iPhone 18 Pro, but it's larger. Both models come in new Burgundy and Glacier colors.
- iPhone Duo - Apple's first foldable iPhone is the iPhone Duo. It's 5.4 inches when closed, and 7.6 inches when it's open. It's similar in size and aspect ratio to an iPad mini, and it uses Touch ID instead of Face ID.
Pricing went up this year, so the iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 and the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299. The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999.
Spring 2027 iPhones
Apple's more affordable iPhones aren't coming until spring 2027.
- iPhone 18 - The iPhone 18 will have a 2nm A20 chip, more RAM, a smaller Dynamic Island, and a new C2 modem chip. Apple could downgrade the display to save money, and the device might share more components with the iPhone 18e.
- iPhone 18e - The iPhone 18e will follow the iPhone 17e. It's expected to get an upgraded chip and 9GB of RAM.
- iPhone Air 2 - Apple is planning a second-generation iPhone Air that could launch alongside the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e. Rumors suggest it could get a second camera to make it a better value (likely an Ultra Wide) and a bigger battery.
What's Next?
After launching the iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 in spring 2027, it's not clear if Apple will stick with the spring/fall split launch strategy or revert to its standard timing.
There are rumors of a 20th-anniversary iPhone coming in fall 2027, and it sounds like a higher-end device. Apple could opt to stick with the timing change it's making across 2026 and 2027 because it will better spread iPhone sales throughout the year.
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