The iPhone 18 is expected to launch in September 2026, bringing a major redesign, a faster 2nm A20 Bionic chip, and potentially Apple’s first under-display Face ID system. While pricing remains unconfirmed, industry leaks suggest a starting price of $799 for the base model and $1,199 for the new “iPhone 18 Ultra” tier.
What to Expect from the iPhone 18
The tech world is already buzzing with rumors about Apple’s 2026 flagship lineup. While the iPhone 17 brought iterative updates, the iPhone 18 is rumored to be a foundational shift for the smartphone industry, focusing heavily on on-device AI capabilities and a complete display overhaul.
iPhone 18 vs iPhone 17: Expected Spec Upgrades
Here is how the early leaks stack up against the current iPhone 17 models:
| Feature | iPhone 17 (2025) | iPhone 18 (2026 Rumor) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A19 Pro (3nm) | A20 Bionic (2nm) |
| Display | Dynamic Island OLED | Under-display Face ID + Hole-punch |
| Camera | 48MP Main + 12MP Ultra-wide | 48MP Main + 48MP Ultra-wide |
| Starting Price | $799 | $799 (Expected) |
Under-Display Face ID
According to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, 2026 will be the year Apple finally moves the TrueDepth camera system under the OLED panel. This means the end of the Dynamic Island as we know it, replaced by a simple, unobtrusive hole-punch for the front-facing camera lens.
How We Researched
We compiled these rumors from leading supply chain analysts, leaked CAD renders, and historical Apple release patterns. All specs are unconfirmed until Apple’s official keynote.
FAQ
When will the iPhone 18 be released?
Based on Apple’s historical release schedule, the iPhone 18 is expected to be announced and released in September 2026.