Apple’s upcoming iPhone lineup could see a noticeable shift in strategy this year. The standard iPhone 18 may not arrive during the usual September event. Instead, reports suggest it could launch next spring alongside the more affordable iPhone 18e. If that happens, Apple’s September event may focus only on the premium iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and possibly a foldable device, often referred to as the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra.
A new claim from a Chinese leaker adds another twist. The report suggests the iPhone 18 will not only launch with the iPhone 18e, but it may also share more similarities with the cheaper model than expected. Apple is reportedly planning to cut costs in the standard version. Rising chip prices could be the main reason behind this decision.
According to the leak, the iPhone 18 may feature a downgraded chipset manufacturing process. It could also include lower chip specifications and reduced memory performance. This change may involve either a smaller memory size or a slower memory type. As a result, the gap between the standard model and the affordable version may shrink significantly.
This would mark a notable shift for Apple. Traditionally, the base iPhone model has stayed closer to the Pro variants in performance. However, this time, the standard device may align more with the ‘e’ series in terms of specs.
The source did not clarify how these downgrades compare. It remains unclear whether the changes are relative to the Pro models or the previous iPhone 17. If the comparison is against the Pro lineup, the impact may be limited. However, if the iPhone 18 falls behind the iPhone 17, the older model could become a stronger value option.
