Image: Apple
If you're trying to decide whether to buy an iPhone 17 now or hold out for the iPhone 18 series, here's everything we've heard about Apple's 2026 iPhone lineup, including the iPhone 18 release date, specs, prices, and colors. Plus, we've also got details about the rumored device that's dominated Apple leaks for years: the first-ever foldable iPhone.
Read on to see if the upcoming iPhone 18 series is right for you. Or, if you want to see what's available right now, our iPhone 17 model comparison breaks down every current model.
iPhone 18 release date
Multiple sources suggest Apple is planning to split the iPhone 18 lineup across two separate launch windows rather than releasing everything at once.
iPhone 18 series rumored release dates
| Device | Rumored release |
|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro | September 2026 |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | September 2026 |
| iPhone Fold | September 2026 |
| iPhone 18 | Spring 2027 |
| iPhone 18e | Spring 2027 |
The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Fold are all rumored for September 2026, in line with Apple's typical fall schedule. The standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are reportedly being pushed to spring 2027, around the time that the new iPhone e series has been released in previous years.
Based on Apple's usual calendar, the September reveal event is expected around September 8, 2026. The new lineup will launch alongside iOS 27, which Apple officially announced at WWDC on June 8, 2026. iOS 27 brings a fully rebuilt Siri powered by Apple Intelligence, new parental controls, and AI-powered photo editing tools. It's expected to roll out to compatible iPhones around September 15, just before the new devices ship.
For a full look at Apple's historical launch patterns, see our iPhone release dates guide.
iPhone 18 models and prices
Apple hasn't confirmed pricing for any iPhone 18 model, but we can make some educated guesses based on current trends. Overall, it's likely the iPhone 18 series and iPhone Fold will be among the most expensive iPhones ever released.
iPhone 18 series rumored prices
| Device | Rumored price |
|---|---|
| iPhone 18 | $899 |
| iPhone 18 Pro | $999 |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | $1,199 |
| iPhone Fold | $1,999 |
| iPhone 18e | $599 |
The 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max figures mirror Apple's current iPhone 17 Pro pricing, which Apple held flat last year after a $100 increase in 2024. We also suspect the iPhone 18e is likely to stay at $599. As the iPhone's budget-level option, it has been launched at that price for the past two generations, and Apple would likely consider removing features before raising the price.
The standard iPhone 18 price is where we expect an increase this year. Samsung raised the Galaxy S26 to $899, a $100 jump over its predecessor. This may give Apple room to do the same with the iPhone 18, especially since the company has avoided raising prices for years despite inflation and supply chain issues.
Finally, the iPhone Fold is rumored to start at $1,999, with higher storage configurations costing even more. That would make it the most expensive iPhone Apple has ever sold.
iPhone 18 series rumors: Design and colors
Based on iPhone 18 series design leaks and early dummy models, both the iPhone 18 and 18 Pro series should stay similar to the iPhone 17 series. The iPhone 18 Pro rumors suggest it is expected to have the same general shape and triple-lens camera bump on the back.
With the iPhone 18 launch reportedly delayed to the spring, there aren't many rumors about its design yet. That said, since the iPhone 16 and 17 offered a relatively new design with the new Camera Button, it's unlikely that this will be a major redesign year. Apple tends to keep the same design for three to four generations before making major changes.
iPhone 18 colors
Tech reviewer Sonny Dickson revealed in May 2026 that the iPhone 18 Pro will launch in a new Dark Cherry color, alongside Black, Silver, and Light Blue. The Cosmic Orange color of the 17 Pro series is rumored to be on the way out.
Since the standard iPhone 18 and 18e are not expected until spring 2027, there are no color rumors for those models yet.
iPhone 18 features: Specs and hardware
A20 chip processor
According to MacRumors and Apple analyst Jeff Pu, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to be the first iPhones powered by Apple's new A20 chip, built on a new 2nm process. In practical terms, that means a meaningful speed bump, with sources suggesting a roughly 15% faster performance over the current A19 chip.
iPhone 18 Pro cameras
Multiple sources say the main camera on both 18 Pro models will feature variable aperture, meaning the lens can let users adjust how much light it lets in based on shooting conditions. Both Pro models are also expected to keep their current 48MP main cameras.
iPhone Fold 2026: Apple's first foldable iPhone
Apple has been rumored to be working on a foldable iPhone for years. Based on current leaks, 2026 looks like the year it finally happens. If you're still figuring out whether a foldable phone makes sense for you, our guide on whether you should buy a foldable phone is a good place to start.
Design: Book style, not a clamshell
The iPhone Fold is rumored to use a book-style folding design rather than a clamshell. Closed, it should be around the size of a passport at 5.5 inches. When open, it should have a 7.8-inch inner display, making it close to the size of a small iPad.
Leaked dummy models suggest the device will be extremely slim with a titanium frame and a durable hinge. Apple is also said to be prioritizing a minimal crease on the inner display, which has been a persistent criticism of Android foldables.
However, due to size constraints, the Fold is rumored to only use a dual-camera main lens and an ultra-wide lens on the rear. That's a step back from the triple-camera system the Pro lineup offers, meaning the Pro models will likely be the best choice for photographers.
Touch ID, not Face ID
Because of thinness, the iPhone Fold is expected to drop Face ID in favor of a side-mounted Touch ID sensor that uses fingerprints. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the True Depth camera system required for Face ID takes up too much space inside the slim frame.
Should you wait for the iPhone 18?
If you're eyeing an 18 Pro model or iPhone Fold, waiting until the release in September 2026 is the best decision. The A20 chip, variable aperture camera, and new colors are all meaningful upgrades to the series.
On the other hand, if you want the standard iPhone 18, you're likely looking at a spring 2027 release, which means a device from the iPhone 17 lineup may be the smarter buy right now.
iPhone 18 series rumors: FAQ
When will the iPhone 18 be released?
The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are rumored to be released in September 2026. The standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are reportedly delayed until spring 2027.
Will Apple release a foldable iPhone in 2026?
Yes, current rumors suggest that the iPhone Fold will come out in the fall of 2026, starting around $1,999.
What chip will the iPhone 18 use?
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to run Apple's new A20 chip. It is reported to run on a 2nm process, with roughly 15% better performance than the current generation. The standard iPhone 18, arriving in spring 2027, is also expected to use the A20.
Will Apple release an iPhone 18 Pro series?
Yes, Apple is expected to release an iPhone 18 Pro series. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are both rumored for September 2026, with upgrades to the main camera, the new A20 chip, and updated colors like Dark Cherry.
Max McCaskill
Sr. Staff Writer
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