Highlights
- Apple is expected to launch the standard iPhone 18 in early 2027 with reports suggesting the timeline is between February and April.
- The iPhone 18 may retain a familiar design with a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED 120Hz display, slimmer bezels, Dynamic Island and a possible horizontal camera bar.
- Expected upgrades include Apple’s 2nm A20 chip, in-house C2 modem, 48MP dual-camera setup, up to 12GB RAM, a larger 4,430mAh battery and iOS 27 with enhanced Apple Intelligence features.
Apple is expected to introduce the standard iPhone 18 in 2027 after changing its iPhone launch strategy this year. The Cupertino giant did not launch the standard iPhone 18 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models this year. During the September 2026 launch event, Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and its first foldable smartphone iPhone Duo.
The standard iPhone 18 has been reportedly pushed to the first half of 2027 alongside the iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2. Several leaks and rumours have already revealed a few details about the standard model while also giving us an idea of what to expect. Here’s everything we know about the upcoming iPhone 18 so far.
iPhone 18 Launch Timeline: When Will It Launch?
Apple in recent years has moved away from its usual September iPhone launch schedule. It is now following a split-launch strategy that allows it to spread its product launches across different months rather than introducing every model at the same event.
As per the latest rumours, the standard iPhone 18 is expected to launch sometime between February and April 2027. It could share the launch event with the more affordable iPhone 18e and the second-gen iPhone Air 2.
However, Apple has not officially confirmed the launch timeline yet.
iPhone 18 Expected Price in India
The iPhone 18 could be more expensive than its predecessor as tipster Digital Chat Station has suggested that Apple may increase the starting price of the standard model.
Meanwhile, a separate leak suggests that the iPhone 18 could start at $999 in the US, compared to the iPhone 17’s original starting price of $799. This would represent a considerable price increase.
There are currently different estimates regarding its India pricing. While some reports suggest that the iPhone 18 could start at around Rs 89,900, others point towards a starting price of Rs 99,900. For context, the iPhone 17 was launched in India at Rs. 82,900 for the 256GB storage variant although its pricing has now increased after price changes.
Apple is expected to offer the standard iPhone 18 in 256GB and 512GB storage configurations and there are no plans for 1TB variant for this model.
iPhone 18 Design: What Could Change?
An Alleged iPhone 18 dummy unit. (Image credit: @LusiRoy7 on X)
In terms of design, the iPhone 18 is not expected to receive a major overhaul. Early reports suggest that Apple could retain the overall design language of the iPhone 17 with probably a few refinements.
Alleged iPhone 18 dummy unit. (Image credit: @MajinBuofficia on X)
A leaked dummy unit has shown a horizontal camera bar on the rear panel with two camera sensors arranged vertically within it.
However, the authenticity of these designs is currently unconfirmed.
Another report suggests that the standard iPhone 18 may retain the Dynamic Island design seen on its predecessor. The standard iPhone could also feature slightly slimmer display bezels for a more refined front look.
iPhone 18 https://t.co/NazB9LMCll
— AppleBuu (@MajinBuofficia) October 19, 2026
iPhone 18 Display Specifications (Expected)
Apple is expected to retain the 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display from the iPhone 17. The panel could continue to support Apple’s ProMotion technology offering an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz.
It is tipped to feature a 1.5K display with a resolution of 1,206 x 2,622 pixels with an anti-reflective coating. Some reports suggest that Apple may increase the display’s peak brightness while making the bezels slightly thinner.
iPhone 18 Processor: A20 Chip and Performance (Expected)
One of the biggest upgrades expected on the iPhone 18 is its next-generation A20 chipset. The processor is tipped to be manufactured using TSMC’s 2nm fabrication process replacing the 3nm-based A19 chip used in the iPhone 17.
According to early reports, the A20 chipset could offer up to 30 per cent better power efficiency than its predecessor. The standard iPhone 18 is also tipped to replace the Qualcomm modem used in its predecessor with Apple’s in-house C2 modem.
iPhone 18 Camera Specifications (Expected)
The iPhone 18 is expected to retain a dual rear-camera setup although Apple could introduce some design changes to the camera module.
According to current leaks, the smartphone will feature a 48-megapixel primary camera accompanied by a 48-megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor. The main camera is tipped to use a 1/1.56-inch sensor. The front camera could also receive attention although reports are not entirely consistent about its specifications. Some leaks point towards an 18-megapixel selfie camera, while others suggest Apple could introduce a 24-megapixel sensor.
The smartphone is also expected to retain the Camera Control button.
iPhone 18 Battery and Charging (Expected)
According to a recent leak shared by tipster Sanju Choudhary on X, the smartphone could pack a 4,430mAh battery. The reported capacity would represent an increase of around 20 per cent over the iPhone 17.
For comparison, the iPhone 17 reportedly features a 3,692mAh battery, while the iPhone 18 Pro is said to pack a 4,056mAh cell. This would mean that the standard iPhone 18 could offer a larger battery than even the Pro model.
Apple is also expected to retain wired and wireless fast-charging support. The iPhone 18 could support 40W wired charging and 25W wireless charging.
iPhone 18 AI Features and Apple Intelligence (Expected)
Apple is also expected to focus on software and AI capabilities with the iPhone 18 series. It could run iOS 27 out of the box and bring new features and improvements to the Apple Intelligence ecosystem.
Apple is also working with Google’s Gemini technology to improve Siri’s conversational abilities and make the assistant more capable of handling complex requests. The upgraded Siri could understand user instructions more naturally and perform tasks across different applications.
However, Apple has not officially announced the AI features planned for iOS 27 or confirmed the extent of Gemini’s integration.
iPhone 18 RAM and Storage Options (Expected)
The iPhone 17 comes with 8GB of RAM, while the upcoming model is expected to feature either 9GB or 12GB of RAM.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reportedly suggested that the standard iPhone 18 could feature 9GB of RAM, while analyst Jeff Pu expects the device to offer 12GB. For storage, Apple is reportedly planning two configurations of 256GB and 512GB. Unlike the Pro models, the standard iPhone 18 may not receive a 1TB storage option.
iPhone 18 Expected Colour Options (Expected)
Apple has not revealed any information about the colour options for the iPhone 18. However, it is expected to introduce multiple colour choices for the standard model as it does with its non-Pro iPhone lineup.
There are currently no reliable leaks confirming the exact shades or finishes that Apple could offer.
More details about the available colours are likely to emerge closer to the smartphone’s expected launch in early 2027.
iPhone 18 Expected Specifications at a Glance
Here’s a quick look at the expected specifications of the upcoming iPhone 18 based on the leaks and reports available so far.
| Specs | iPhone 18 (Expected) |
| Launch Timeline | February-April 2027 |
| Display | 6.3-inch LTPO OLED |
| Resolution | 1,206 x 2,622 pixels |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz ProMotion |
| Chipset | A20 (2nm) |
| Modem | Apple C2 |
| RAM | 9GB / 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB |
| Rear cameras | 48MP + 48MP |
| Front Camera | 18MP / 24MP |
| Battery | 4,430mAh |
| Wired charging | 40W |
| Wireless charging | 25W |
| OS | iOS 27 |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Expected starting price in India | Rs. 89,900-Rs. 99,900 |
It is important to note these specifications are based on leaks and early reports. Apple has not officially confirmed the details.
iPhone 18 vs iPhone 17: Expected Upgrades
The iPhone 18 is expected to bring several improvements over the iPhone 17 although the overall design and camera hardware may remain largely familiar. Here’s how it could compare based on the information available so far.
| Specs | iPhone 17 | iPhone 18 (Expected) |
| Display | 6.3-inch OLED | 6.3-inch LTPO OLED |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz ProMotion |
| Chipset | A19 | A20 (2nm) |
| RAM | 8GB | 9GB / 12GB |
| Rear cameras | 48MP + 48MP | 48MP + 48MP |
| Front camera | 18MP | 18MP / 24MP |
| Battery | 3,692mAh | 4,430mAh |
| Wired Charging | 40W | 40W |
| Wireless Charging | 25W | 25W |
| OS | iOS 26 | iOS 27 |
| Starting US price | $799 (launch price) | $999 (tipped) |
Should You Wait for iPhone 18?
The question of should you wait for the iPhone 18 or purchase the iPhone 17 now will depends on your priorities and how urgently you need a new smartphone.
Based on the leaks so far, we can see that Apple is working on some incremental upgrades for iPhone 18 next year when it comes to design and camera hardware. However, the expected A20 chipset and more RAM with a larger 4,430mAh battery could make a noteworthy difference.
On the other hand, the currently available iPhone 17 is a sensible option if you need a new phone right now. Its 120Hz display, capable A19 processor and dual 48-megapixel rear cameras are promising. You could also save money by choosing the current-gen model instead of waiting for a successor that will likely cost more.
So, waiting for the iPhone 18 could make sense if you already own an iPhone 17 or are specifically looking for better battery life and performance. Otherwise, if you have an older iPhone model and are looking for an upgrade right now, finding a good deal on the iPhone 17 seems a better idea than waiting for a model yet to be announced.
