iPhone 18 rumours and leaks: what's confirmed, what's likely, and what's still speculation (updated July 2026)

✨TL: DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read)

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to launch around September 18, 2026, with an Apple keynote on September 9. The biggest confirmed change for this generation is iOS 27: Siri is getting a full AI reboot, powered by Google Gemini (announced at WWDC 2026). Hardware predictions remain strong for an A20 Pro chip, 12GB of RAM, and variable aperture cameras. Under-display Face ID is off the table for 2026.

If you're not waiting, refurbished iPhone 17 models on Back Market offer flagship performance, without the flagship wait.

On price, IDC now estimates a $200 increase for the Pro models — potentially putting the iPhone 18 Pro at $1,249–$1,299 and the Pro Max at $1,349–$1,399, up from $1,099/$1,199.

Why should I trust this report on iPhone 18 rumours?

You can trust our report on iPhone 18 rumours because Back Market is a collection of tech enthusiasts committed to giving you up-to-date information on all things iPhone, as well as a host of other electronics. We’ve scoured the web and read all the rumour mills to bring you updated predictions on things like when the iPhone 18 release date is likely to be, what kind of changes to expect, and more.

Our professional third-party refurbishers evaluate smartphones daily, including the iPhone 17, and will indeed work with the iPhone 18 when it’s released, so they know the ins and outs of these phones. Using this expertise, we aim to offer well-informed insights and opinions that are unbiased.

As a marketplace for professionally refurbished electronics, we’re trusted for our insight and value assessments, as well as the information we gather on new and potential releases. This article about iPhone 18 rumours is designed to help you make an informed decision and give you some valuable information about these upcoming releases.

When will iPhone 18 be released?

Apple is expected to change its traditional iPhone launch cycle with the iPhone 18 lineup. Apple has confirmed its keynote for September 9, 2026, where the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to be unveiled. The Pro models are expected to go on sale around September 18, replacing the previously reported broad “autumn 2026” release window (Forbes, June 2026).

The standard iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 are confirmed for spring 2027. This is now considered highly likely rather than speculative, making the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max the September 2026 launch lineup alongside the iPhone Fold.

There are also early rumours of a foldable iPhone launching alongside or shortly after the Pro models, though these claims remain conflicting. Some analysts believe Apple is preparing a premium foldable model for late 2026, while others think the device may not arrive until 2027 or later.

Worth noting: the iPhone 18 will be historic for reasons beyond specs. It'll be the first Apple keynote under new CEO John Ternus, who takes over from Tim Cook on September 1, 2026. Ternus, Apple's former VP of Hardware Engineering, is expected to bring a sharper focus on hardware innovation, making the iPhone 18 Pro the first real product statement of his tenure.

Why is the standard iPhone 18 delayed to spring 2027?

The standard iPhone 18 moving to spring 2027 is the result of two overlapping factors: a deliberate strategic decision by Apple, and some uncomfortable industrial realities.

On the strategy side, Apple is using a staggered launch to stay in the headlines year-round. Launching Pro models in autumn and standard models six months later means two media moments instead of one. It also lets Apple draw a cleaner line between its premium and mass-market audiences. The Pro lineup, which drives the highest margins, gets the spotlight first.

The industrial side is less neat. The switch to 2nm chip manufacturing requires long lead times at TSMC. More pressingly, a global RAM shortage is creating supply bottlenecks. The explosion of AI applications has sent demand for high-bandwidth memory soaring worldwide, pushing production facilities to their limits. By delaying the standard iPhone 18, Apple can secure enough RAM to launch the Pro models on schedule without either range cannibalising the other's components.

What's new for the standard iPhone 18?

The standard iPhone 18 is confirmed for spring 2027, and the rumour picture is mixed: meaningful upgrades in some areas, and deliberate cost-cutting in others.

The headline spec is the A20 chip built on TSMC's 2nm process, though with a simpler architecture than the Pro variant. Apple's priority here is battery efficiency rather than raw power. Wi-Fi 7 is also expected across the range, promising faster and more stable connectivity for streaming and large downloads.

On RAM, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo estimates the standard iPhone 18 will carry 9GB, not the 12GB found in the Pro models. This has a direct consequence: iOS 27 requires at least 12GB to run local Siri voice personalisation and the enhanced dictation features. If that's accurate, those two AI capabilities will be Pro-only for this generation.

The Dynamic Island may shrink slightly, though that's still contested. Under-display Face ID is confirmed off the table for all iPhone 18 models.

What new features will iPhone 18 have?

✨Among other expected performance upgrades, the most reliable rumours point to the potential release of an iPhone foldable and a split-release strategy for the newest generation.

The strongest predictions currently suggest the iPhone 18 Pro lineup will receive the A20 chip, improved AI performance, and better battery efficiency, all of which are considered highly likely due to consistent supply-chain reporting. The split-release launch strategy is also becoming increasingly credible.

According to sources like MacRumors and PhoneArena, Apple will also be releasing the first foldable iPhone along with its Pro models in 2026. However, details about the device remain uncertain, especially regarding whether it will use Face ID or revert to Touch ID due to hardware limitations.

The foldable iPhone is expected to be similar in design to the Galaxy and Google foldable phones, but it will have the A20 chip and potentially only a Touch ID side button rather than Face ID due to its size.

Siri and iOS 27 are no longer a rumour. Apple confirmed at WWDC 2026 that iOS 27 brings a fully redesigned Siri experience with a new Ask Siri button and updated interface. The bigger surprise: Siri's AI capabilities will be powered by Google Gemini, marking Apple's most significant AI partnership to date.

Design rumours are similarly mixed. A smaller Dynamic Island is viewed as fairly likely. Full under-display Face ID has been ruled out for 2026. MacRumors' roundup now has a dedicated "No Under-Display Face ID" section, and iOS 27 code analysis supports this conclusion. The Dynamic Island will stay for this generation.

“Other rumored features for the devices include an A20 Pro chip, variable aperture, a simplified Camera Control button, web browsing via satellite, and more.” - MacRumors 

If these upgrades don’t sound worth it to you and you're not waiting for the iPhone 18 launch, compare current iPhone generations to find the best fit for you.

iOS 27 and Siri: what Apple confirmed at WWDC 2026

The biggest update to the iPhone 18 isn't a new camera or a slimmer chassis — it's what's running underneath. Apple confirmed the following at WWDC 2026:

• Confirmed: New Ask Siri button and completely redesigned Siri interface

• Confirmed: Siri AI capabilities powered by Google Gemini, Apple's most significant AI partnership

• Confirmed: iOS 27 introduces Liquid Glass design language, including a new Settings transparency slider

These are confirmed features, not rumours. Any article referencing them as Bloomberg "predictions" is out of date.

What are the rumoured upgrades per iPhone 18 model?

✨The iPhone 18 Pro upgrade rumours seem to be the most consistent, as well as the rumours about an A20 chip for the iPhone 18 models across the board.

We’ve searched the web and spoken to our team of experts to give you a breakdown of what we know about the potential upgrades per iPhone 18 model, as well as their release dates.

What can we expect for the iPhone Air 2?

The iPhone Air 2 is confirmed for spring 2027 and is expected to directly address the two most criticised aspects of the first iPhone Air: its single rear camera and its tendency to overheat.

Rumours consistently point to the addition of a 48MP ultra-wide lens alongside the main camera, giving the Air 2 a proper dual-camera system. The original Air's single-camera setup was widely seen as a compromise too far for a premium device.

The other rumoured fix is a redesigned cooling system, aimed at managing the thermal issues that affected some users during intensive tasks on the first model. If accurate, it would make the Air 2 a more reliable everyday option for a phone that's primarily sold on its form factor.

Like the standard iPhone 18, the Air 2 is expected to run on an A20 chip, though details on RAM configuration remain thin.

What are the expected upgrades for the iPhone 18 Pro?

✨The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to have an A20 Pro chip and 12GB of RAM, according to the most consistent rumours.

The iPhone 18 Pro rumours are shaping up to be the most solid predictions of the bunch. The most repeated speculations regarding tech specs are that it will have a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display, an A20 Pro chip built on TSMC’s 2nm process, 12GB of RAM, and an Apple C2 modem. It’s also widely suggested that Apple will keep the overall design close to that of the iPhone 17 Pro. The most recent reports about the under-display suggest this isn’t ready. A 48MP main camera, 24MP front camera, and a variable aperture on the main camera are also being reported, making this phone a potential contender for the iPhone with the best camera. Check out our iPhone camera comparisons to see the current list. A supply-chain leak from June 2 (Digital Chat Station, via MacRumors) places the iPhone 18 Pro battery at 4,288 mAh, a modest +36 mAh increase over the iPhone 17 Pro. The new chip, RAM, modem, and screen size are the most reliable rumours, while those surrounding the front design and the iPhone 18 camera changes have fewer confirmations.

Satellite 5G

The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to include Apple's C2 modem, the successor to the C1X found in the iPhone Air. The headline feature of the C2 is 5G via satellite: the ability to browse the web without a Wi-Fi connection or terrestrial mobile signal. That would be a first for any iPhone, and a meaningful step beyond the emergency SOS satellite connectivity that's existed since the iPhone 14.

Connectivity upgrades

The Pro models are expected to adopt Apple's N2 wireless chip, the successor to the N1 that ships in the iPhone 17. In practice, that means faster and more reliable Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 connections. The difference is most noticeable on congested networks, whether that's a packed office, a festival, or an airport terminal.

Simplified Camera Control button

The Camera Control button introduced on the iPhone 16 is expected to be simplified on the iPhone 18 Pro. Tactile sensitivity and haptic feedback are both reportedly being removed, leaving only pressure sensitivity. The reason, according to leakers, is straightforward: adoption was lower than Apple had hoped, and the more complex version added cost without adding much perceived value for most users.

Titanium chassis

The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to use a new titanium alloy with a surface treatment specifically designed to reduce visible scratches and fingerprints. If the rumours are accurate, it's a refinement rather than a reinvention of the existing Pro design language. The goal is a chassis that looks cleaner for longer.

What are the expected changes for the iPhone 18 Pro Max?

✨The iPhone 18 Pro Max’s core hardware is expected to mirror that of the Pro, with some reports suggesting a larger battery.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to mirror the Pro when it comes to core hardware, with a slightly bigger 6.9-inch display, the same A20 Pro 2nm chip, 12GB of RAM, and the C2 modem. The camera rumours are also similar, with the Pro Max expected to have a 24MP selfie camera and a variable aperture main camera. The Pro Max is widely expected to carry a larger battery: supply-chain sources (June 2) suggest a capacity of approximately 5,100–5,200 mAh. On thickness, a June 4 report from leaker Ice Universe confirmed the Pro Max at 8.75mm, correcting an earlier 8.8mm estimate and matching the iPhone 17 Pro Max's dimensions. Rumour reliability is high for the core chip and display claims, and less so for the battery and design changes.

What upgrades can we expect for the iPhone 18 base model?

✨A spring 2027 release, A20 chip, and 12GB of RAM are among the main things to be expected from the iPhone 18 base model.

What we know about the standard iPhone 18 release date is that it’s said to be moving to spring 2027 rather than having a normal September launch. According to various sources, the base model may still get the A20 chip and the C2 modem, and these sources suggest that 12GB of RAM is also possible. It's safe to expect that Apple will keep the design changes limited on the base model, with no major overhaul for the front side. The reliability of these rumours is high for the delayed timing and could go either way for the RAM and chip details.

What differences can we expect for the iPhone 18e?

✨The iPhone 18e is expected to be a lower-cost model with fewer changes.

The iPhone 18e is expected in the spring 2027 window alongside the standard model. Various guides suggest that it will be a lower-cost model with few changes, without a big jump in hardware. There isn’t much solid detail beyond that yet, so anything more specific would be guesswork. The reliability level is medium for its place in the lineup and low for detailed specs.

What can we expect for the iPhone Ultra/Fold?

✨Apple’s first foldable iPhone is expected to have an A20 chip, a thin design, and a potential 2026 launch date.

Apple is widely rumoured to be launching a foldable phone alongside the premium iPhone 18 models. The most repeated specs regarding the screen sizes are that it should be about 5.5 in on the outside and 7.8 in on the inside. It's also expected to be powered by the A20 chip. In terms of camera specs, the iPhone Fold is expected to have two 48MP rear cameras, a 24MP front camera, and a traditional hole-punch camera in the outer display. Its launch timing is usually tied to the Pro models in the fall of 2026, although some reports suggest the Fold could arrive a little later. Reliability is medium to high for the display sizes and medium for the timing.

Will the iPhone 18 be a downgrade?

No. The iPhone 18 Pro is not expected to be a downgrade. The Pro models are widely expected to gain an A20 Pro chip, 12GB of RAM, variable aperture cameras, and Siri AI powered by Google Gemini. These are meaningful upgrades over the iPhone 17 Pro.

That said, it's a refinement cycle rather than a reinvention. Under-display Face ID won't be happening. The thickness is essentially unchanged at 8.75mm. And battery size gains are modest: the Pro adds around 36 mAh. Whether that makes it "worth the upgrade" depends on what you're upgrading from.

If you're on an iPhone 15 or earlier, the A20 chip and Gemini-powered Siri represent a genuine generational step. If you're already on an iPhone 17 Pro, the case for upgrading is much harder to make.

What are the rumoured iPhone 18 release prices compared to current models on Back Market?

Pricing forecasts were revised upward in late June. Following Apple's decision to raise Mac and iPad prices by up to $300, IDC Senior Director of Data & Analytics Nabila Popal revised her iPhone 18 Pro estimate from a $100 increase to a potential $200 increase. The trigger: the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to pack 12GB of RAM, and the M4 iPad Air and M5 iPad Pro, which also carry 12GB RAM, just saw price hikes of $150 and $200 respectively. IDC now estimates the iPhone 18 Pro could start at $1,249–$1,299 (up from $1,099), and the Pro Max at $1,349–$1,399 (up from $1,199). UK pricing hasn't been confirmed, but a comparable uplift would put the Pro at around £1,299–£1,349 and the Pro Max at around £1,399–£1,449. These remain analyst estimates, not confirmed Apple pricing.

* Rumoured prices based on analyst estimates (IDC, June 2026 via MacRumors) and are not confirmed by Apple. Pro and Pro Max price ranges reflect a revised upward forecast following Apple's Mac and iPad price increases. Back Market prices are set by sellers and may vary. Prices shown are indicative of listings available at time of publication.

 What are the rumoured iPhone 18 Pro colour options?

According to MacRumors, Apple is planning four finishes for the iPhone 18 Pro range, identified via leaked Pantone codes:

• Dark Cherry (deep wine red)

• Light Blue (a muted, cool blue)

• Dark Gray (darker than the current Natural Titanium)

• Silver

The standout is Dark Cherry, a textured deep red that PhoneArena described as sitting closer to burgundy than classic red. It's a more restrained take on colour than the Product Red range, aimed at users who want something distinctive without being loud.

Apple is also reportedly introducing a new glass treatment for the back panel, designed to eliminate the visual seam between the glass and the metal chassis. The goal is a more unified, premium feel across the whole back surface.

Should you wait for the iPhone 18 or buy refurbished now?

The honest answer: for most people, waiting doesn't make sense.

If you're after a Pro model, the wait is roughly three months. That's manageable. But the iPhone 18 Pro is also expected to cost significantly more than the iPhone 17 Pro: IDC revised its estimate to a potential $200 price increase in late June, which would put UK Pro pricing in the £1,299–£1,349 range. That's a lot of money for an upgrade that's mostly a refinement rather than a redesign.

If you're after the standard iPhone 18, the maths are even less kind. You're waiting until spring 2027. That's up to a year away. And the standard model, per Ming-Chi Kuo's latest estimates, may arrive with 9GB of RAM rather than 12GB, which rules out some of iOS 27's on-device AI features.

A refurbished iPhone from Back Market gives you the performance now. Here's how the numbers compare:

Refurbished prices from Back Market UK, August 2026. Prices set by sellers and may vary. Rumoured iPhone 18 prices based on IDC analyst estimates (June 2026) and are not confirmed by Apple.

There's a practical upside beyond the price. A refurbished iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 17 already runs the features that matter: ProMotion 120Hz display, a titanium chassis, and an A18 Pro chip that's already optimised for AI. The jump to an A20 Pro will be real, but for everyday tasks like streaming, photography, and messaging, it won't be perceptible for the vast majority of people.

There's also a sustainability case. Choosing a refurbished smartphone instead of buying new avoids around 77 kg of CO2e in manufacturing emissions per device, the equivalent of skipping a short-haul flight. That figure is based on Back Market's calculation from the ADEME 2022 study, manufacturing phase only.

Our final thoughts on the iPhone 18 rumours

Post-WWDC, the picture is clearer than it was even a month ago. The iPhone 18 is shaping up as a confident refinement: the A20 Pro chip, Gemini-powered Siri, and variable aperture cameras form a credible upgrade story — even if the design is largely unchanged and under-display Face ID is off the table for 2026.

The foldable iPhone remains the wild card: plausible for September 2026, but still subject to conflicting reports on timing and pricing. On AI, there's no ambiguity anymore — Siri + Gemini is confirmed, and it's the most consequential software story in this launch cycle.

As always with Apple leaks, the closer we get to launch, the clearer the picture will become.