iPhone 18 Release Date: Why You Might Be Waiting Longer Than Expected

For more than a decade, Apple has, for the most part, released all the phones in its latest iPhone lineup at the same time. For the iPhone 18, though, it’s rumored to be different. 

Apple may split the launch of the latest iPhones, staggering a handful of devices for release in spring next year, while the more premium iPhone Pro and the much-anticipated rumored foldable iPhone Ultra will debut in September, according to Bloomberg. 

The new iPhones will reportedly ship with smaller dynamic islands, and the cameras may feature a variable aperture — a total geek win for photography enthusiasts. But trying to peg down the actual release dates for the new iPhone 18 family is harder than usual this year. 

Below, we’ll go over what the rumors say, historical iPhone release dates and more to get a better idea of when the next iPhone family will be released.

Read More: Win an Apple Watch — Round 3 of CNET’s Guessing Game Is Live Now

iPhone 18 event: When will it be?

Apple will unveil the latest iPhone lineup on Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET during a special event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. The CNET team will be on the ground to bring you all the details on Apple’s latest and greatest devices. 

Preorders typically go live the Friday following the event (likely Sept. 11), with units available in stores the Friday after that (likely Sept. 18). 

You’ll be able to watch Apple take the wraps off the next iPhone on the company’s website, YouTube, Apple TV and the Apple developer app.

iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and foldable

It’s likely that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will ship in September, which is the typical release timeframe for iPhones since the 5th generation. Apple releasing its “best of the best” gadgets before the holiday season is a formula that we don’t imagine the tech juggernaut straying from. 

Apple’s first foldable phone, rumored to be called the iPhone Ultra, may go up for preorder alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models, but it could ship at a later date. This could be due to supply chain issues regarding the hinge and displays. But historically, aside from the iPhone Air, when Apple adds a new model to the iPhone line, it releases a month later than other models, like the iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone 14 Plus.

iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2

As for the likes of the standard iPhone 18 and the iPhone Air 2, rumors point to a significantly delayed release. The shift may be a strategic one to a biannual cadence for Apple, with fall and spring launch dates. This isn’t unlike how Samsung launches its flagship Galaxy lineup at the beginning of the year, with its foldable lineup debuting in the middle of the year. 

“Apple will likely reveal its first foldable iPhone on September 9 along with the iPhone 18 Pro series,” said David Naranjo, associate director of Counterpoint Research. “The base iPhone 18 model announcements are expected to be pushed into spring 2027. This staggered launch marks a notable change in Apple’s release cadence, with a strong emphasis on premiumization.”

Whether this potential delayed release is related to manufacturing restrictions, RAM shortages or just prioritizing its best hardware first remains to be seen, but if the rumors are true, those looking for an entry-level iPhone may need to wait until next year. 

This is also a smart move on Apple’s part, as those who might have been looking for a Pro-less iPhone may just end up pulling the trigger on the higher-end models instead of waiting. The timing would all coincide with Apple’s E series launch.

iPhone 18E

The iPhone E series has typically been released the following spring after the more powerful models, so there don’t seem to be any surprises here (as did the SE line before it). The budget-focused (for Apple) device will likely be a pared-down version of the regular iPhone called the iPhone 18E, providing essential features from the current generation without many of the bells and whistles. 

The iPhone 17E, which launched at a $599 price, hits a sweet spot for functionality and affordability. However, it remains to be seen whether it, too, will see the price jump that we expect with this current generation of iPhones. 

The handset was announced in March and was available in stores the following week. If history repeats itself, we may see the iPhone 18E land in early to mid-March of 2027, but it might not be alone — this also might be where we see the debut of the standard iPhone 18.

Blake has over a decade of experience writing for the web, with a focus on mobile phones, where he covered the smartphone boom of the 2010s and the broader tech scene. When he’s not in front of a keyboard, you’ll most likely find him playing video games or watching horror movies.

See full bio