The standard iPhone 18 may not arrive alongside the Pro models, according to fresh signals from within Apple’s supply chain. Growing evidence points to Apple releasing the base model separately in early 2027, rather than at its anticipated September 2026 iPhone event.
Pegatron, one of Apple’s principal iPhone manufacturers, is reported to have confirmed the split launch timing at its earnings conference on 12 August. The claim adds weight to speculation that first emerged nearly a year ago, in August 2025.
While the iPhone 18 may not appear until the first quarter of 2027, Apple still intends to launch the iPhone 18 Pro range in September 2026. The company is said to be prioritising components for the higher-end Pro models, which carry higher margins. Pegatron suggests those margins may help Apple absorb the rising cost of components, though it remains unclear whether customers will face increased prices.
Why Apple might stagger the release
Much of the pressure stems from shifting market priorities. An ongoing shortage of essential components, including semiconductors, RAM and SSDs, continues to affect the wider consumer electronics sector. Many analysts believe the shortage could persist until 2028, and some expect it to last even longer.
Component supply is not the only factor. Numerous companies, Pegatron among them, are now channelling resources into artificial intelligence. Pegatron has announced plans to redirect manufacturing and research and development capacity towards AI servers.
A similar move has been seen at SK hynix, one of Apple’s key memory suppliers. The firm made a bet worth roughly £30 billion on the AI boom continuing until at least 2029, and plans to build two new facilities dedicated to AI-specific memory and storage components. As firms redirect investment, fewer resources remain available for consumer electronics.
A familiar pattern for Apple
Although a staggered iPhone launch may seem unusual at first, it would not represent a significant departure for Apple. The company does not release its more affordable iPhone models alongside its flagship line, typically bringing those to market the following spring.
Apple also tends to split its Mac releases across the year. On this pattern, launching the base iPhone 18 in early 2027, several months after the Pro range, would follow an established approach. Pegatron confirmed the split launch timing at its 12 August earnings conference.
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Image: appleinsider.com
