On September 9, 2026, Apple will present the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max — but this year the lineup will intentionally not include a base iPhone 18 model. We break down what to expect from the main stars of tomorrow’s presentation.
Why There Is No Regular iPhone 18 This Year
For the first time, Apple is splitting its annual release into two waves. In the fall, only the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the foldable iPhone Ultra will be released. The base iPhone 18, budget iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2 will appear only in spring 2027 — as a separate release.
What Will Change in Design and Capabilities
According to rumors, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will generally retain the design and screen sizes of their predecessors, but will receive upgrades in three areas: camera, display and connectivity. The main expected changes are a camera with a variable aperture on the main module, a smaller Dynamic Island cutout and Apple’s new C2 modem for cellular connectivity.
Both models, according to forecasts, will receive the A20 Pro chip manufactured using a 2-nanometer process — the same one that debuted in the new Mac mini M6 this August.
How Much the New Pro Models Will Cost
A few days before the presentation, the research company TrendForce published an updated price forecast based on current component costs. Compared with last year’s iPhone 17 Pro prices, a noticeable increase is expected — a direct consequence of the memory chip shortage that already raised prices for Macs, iPads and other Apple devices this summer.
How significant the price increase will be specifically for the iPhone will become clear only at the presentation itself — Apple has not officially confirmed the prices yet.
In Brief: The Key Points
- September 9, 2026 — presentation of the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone Ultra
- There will be no base iPhone 18 this time — it will launch in spring 2027 together with the iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2
- Main upgrades: variable-aperture camera, smaller Dynamic Island, C2 modem
- A20 Pro chip on a 2 nm process — the same one as in the new Mac mini M6
- According to TrendForce forecasts, prices will rise because of the memory chip shortage
- Official prices will be announced only at the presentation itself
FAQ
When will the iPhone 18 Pro be released? The presentation will take place on September 9, 2026.
Why is there no regular iPhone 18 this year? Apple has split the release into two waves for the first time: in the fall, only the Pro models and the foldable iPhone Ultra are being released, while the base iPhone 18 will appear in spring 2027 together with the iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2.
What is new in the iPhone 18 Pro camera? According to rumors, the main camera will have a variable aperture, allowing more flexible control over depth of field and frame brightness.
Will the iPhone 18 Pro become more expensive? According to TrendForce forecasts, yes — because of the memory chip shortage, which has already affected prices of other Apple devices this year. Exact figures will be announced at the presentation.
The article was prepared by the TechVisor team — practical IT media for people.
