iPhone 18: What to expect from Apple's next generation

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iPhone 18: dit verwachten we van Apples volgende generatie

The iPhone 17 series is less than a year old, but its successors are already approaching. More concrete rumors are emerging, especially concerning the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple's first foldable iPhone.

The iPhone 18 generation also appears to be different from what we are used to from Apple. Not only because of new chips and cameras, but mainly because Apple will probably not release all models at the same time.

Apple has not yet officially announced the new iPhones. In this blog, we therefore list the most important expectations and distinguish between fairly strong rumors and information that is still uncertain.

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When will the iPhone 18 be released?

Apple usually releases its main iPhones in September. With the iPhone 18 series, this seems to be changing.

According to multiple sources, Apple is opting for a split release:

  • fall 2026: iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone Ultra;
  • spring 2027: iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and likely iPhone Air 2.

The standard iPhone 18 is therefore not expected to be released in September 2026, but only around spring 2027. This rumor is now supported by multiple sources and reports from the supply chain.

For those who normally buy the standard model every September, this is a notable change.

What to expect from the iPhone 18?

The regular iPhone 18 appears to be getting an overhaul mainly under the hood. A completely new design is not expected at this time.

The A20 chip is particularly interesting. Apple is said to be switching from a 3nm to a 2nm production process for this.

Such a smaller chip technology can lead to better performance and lower power consumption. This can not only result in speed, but also be beneficial for battery life and more demanding functions such as on-device AI processing.

More RAM is also mentioned, although rumors still differ on the exact amount.

The main expectations are:

Feature iPhone 18 expected
Release Spring 2027
Processor A20 chip
Chip technology Likely 2 nm
Display Expected to remain 6.3 inches
Dynamic Island Possibly smaller
Modem Possibly Apple C2
Design No major changes expected

What's changing with the screen and camera?

On the outside, the standard iPhone 18 will likely look very similar to the iPhone 17.

One of the possible changes is a smaller Dynamic Island. This has been discussed for some time, especially for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Part of the Face ID technology could disappear further behind the screen.

For the regular iPhone 18, there are now also rumors of a smaller Dynamic Island, but that information is still less certain.

In terms of cameras, the Pro models in particular seem to be getting an interesting upgrade. The main camera of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max could get a variable aperture.

This would allow the camera to physically control how much light enters through the lens. This can provide more control in different lighting conditions and over the depth of field.

For the cameras of the standard iPhone 18, there are currently few concrete changes known.

iPhone Ultra: Apple's first foldable iPhone

One of the biggest changes within this generation is probably not the iPhone 18 itself, but Apple's first foldable.

The foldable iPhone is currently increasingly being referred to as the iPhone Ultra. Apple has not yet confirmed this product name, so for now it remains an expected name.

The device would have a book-like design with approximately:

  • a 5.5-inch screen on the outside;
  • a 7.8-inch screen on the inside;
  • a 4:3 aspect ratio when the device is unfolded;
  • a 2 nm A20 chip;
  • two rear cameras;
  • two internal batteries.

Apple would also pay a lot of attention to the crease in the screen, so that it is as minimally visible as possible.

Unfolded, the iPhone Ultra would therefore have a screen size that leans more towards a small tablet.

The iPhone Ultra is expected to be presented together with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in September 2026.

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: These are likely to be the biggest upgrades

Anyone looking to buy a new iPhone 18 in 2026 will likely automatically gravitate towards a Pro model.

For the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, the following changes, among others, are expected:

  • A20 Pro chip at 2 nm;
  • smaller Dynamic Island;
  • main camera with variable aperture;
  • Apple C2 modem;
  • improved energy efficiency;
  • again 12 GB of RAM.

In terms of appearance, the Pro models largely seem to build on the iPhone 17 Pro series. The main changes are therefore likely to be in the chip, camera, and internal hardware.

iPhone 18 vs. iPhone 17: what's expected to change?

Especially with the standard models, Apple doesn't seem to be making a complete turnaround.

The iPhone 17 itself already received several major upgrades. As a result, the iPhone 18 seems to be primarily a technical evolution for now.

With the Pro models, it's a bit different. There, the new camera and smaller Dynamic Island could make the difference more clearly visible.

See an overview below

Feature iPhone 17 iPhone 18 expected
Chip A19, 3 nm A20, likely 2 nm
Display 6.3 inches Likely 6.3 inches
Dynamic Island Current size Possibly smaller
Design Current generation Likely similar
Release September 2025 Spring 2027

Should you wait for the iPhone 18?

That mainly depends on which model you want.

If you want an iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max, you won't have to wait much longer according to current expectations. These models are expected in September 2026.

If you want the regular iPhone 18, you will probably have to wait until the spring of 2027.

If you already have an iPhone 17, the standard iPhone 18, based on current rumors, does not appear to be a huge leap forward. The new chip, possible smaller Dynamic Island, and internal improvements are interesting, but a completely new design or major camera upgrade is not yet known.

If you are coming from an older iPhone, the difference can, of course, be much greater.

Conclusion

The iPhone 18 generation appears to be particularly special due to the new release schedule.

In September 2026, we expect to see the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and the first foldable iPhone, likely called iPhone Ultra. The standard iPhone 18 is not expected to follow until spring 2027.

For the standard iPhone 18, the A20 chip on 2 nm, a potentially smaller Dynamic Island, and improved internal hardware seem to be the main upgrades. Larger changes are expected for the Pro models, including a camera with a variable aperture.

Many details are now fairly concrete, but Apple has not yet officially presented the new generation. Until then, specifications, names, and release dates remain subject to change.

Frequently asked questions

When is the iPhone 18 coming out?

The standard iPhone 18 is expected to be released in spring 2027. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are already anticipated in September 2026.

Will there be no regular iPhone 18 in September 2026?

According to current reports, no. Apple appears to be splitting its releases, launching the more expensive models first in the fall.

Which chip will the iPhone 18 get?

The iPhone 18 is expected to feature the A20 chip, likely produced using a new 2nm process.

What is the name of the foldable iPhone?

The name iPhone Ultra is currently being mentioned more and more frequently for Apple's first foldable iPhone. Apple has not yet officially confirmed this name.

Will the iPhone 18 have a new design?

A completely new design for the standard iPhone 18 is not expected for now. The device is said to strongly resemble the iPhone 17 in terms of size and basic shape.

What will be the biggest difference between the iPhone 17 and iPhone 18?

For the standard model, the A20 chip appears to be the main upgrade. Additionally, a smaller Dynamic Island and improved internal hardware are mentioned.

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