Apple might be rethinking how it handles its base iPhone next time around. A new leak suggests the standard iPhone 18 could arrive with a few compromises to keep costs under control.
The regular iPhone 18 and the more affordable iPhone 18e may not show up until spring 2027. Instead, Apple is expected to use its usual September event to focus on the higher-end models, likely the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and maybe even a foldable or “Ultra” variant if those plans hold. If that happens, it would be the first time in a while that Apple splits its iPhone launch this way.
The reasoning comes down to costs. Memory prices have been climbing due to the ongoing DRAM situation, and Apple is reportedly looking at ways to offset that. According to tipster Fixed Focus Digital, one approach seems to be bringing the standard iPhone closer to the “e” model in terms of hardware and production.
Exactly what gets cut isn’t fully clear yet, but a few possibilities have been mentioned. For context, the current iPhone 17 stands out from the 17e with things like a 120Hz OLED panel, an extra ultra-wide camera, and Dynamic Island.
Going back to 60Hz doesn’t sound likely, but some of the newer additions could be on the chopping block. That might include the dedicated camera button, a slightly toned-down chipset (with fewer GPU cores), the upgraded front camera, and faster wireless charging.
None of this is confirmed, of course. Apple’s plans tend to shift quite a bit before launch, and early leaks don’t always land exactly right. Still, the overall direction is interesting. It looks like Apple could be trying to draw a clearer line between its standard and Pro models. Whether that ends up feeling like a smart trade-off or a step back will depend on how much actually gets cut.
Don’t miss a thing! Join our Telegram community for instant updates and grab our free daily newsletter for the best tech stories!
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
(Source: Fixed Focus Digital on Weibo | Image)
Comments