The latest iPhone 18 rumours and leaks

✨TL: DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read)

According to speculation, Apple’s iPhone 18 range is shaping up to be a thought-out upgrade rather than a major redesign. The most reliable leaks make the split-release strategy appear highly likely, withthe Pro models expected in autumn 2026 and the base models potentially arriving in spring 2027.

Back Market pricing also suggests that refurbished iPhone 17 models could offer meaningful savings for budget-conscious buyers in light of the iPhone 18 release.

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. Based on current leaks and analyst reports, the iPhone 18 Pro models launching in autumn 2026 is now considered highly likely, as several reputable analysts have pointed toward this timeline.

However, reports suggesting the standard iPhone 18 models may be delayed until spring 2027 are still somewhat uncertain, even though the rumour has gained traction across multiple outlets. If true, this would mark Apple’s first major split-release strategy for iPhones.

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.

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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. Reports surrounding Apple Intelligence and Siri upgrades are currently facing conflicting reports.

Bloomberg suggests Apple is planning a major AI reboot with a redesigned Siri experience, while other reports indicate some promised AI features may still face delays.

Design rumours are similarly mixed. A smaller Dynamic Island is viewed as fairly likely, but full under-display Face ID and a completely uninterrupted display remain much less certain at this stage.

“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 

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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 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. 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.

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. A few reports suggest the Pro Max may be thicker and heavier to make room for a larger battery. 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 also being pushed into the spring 2027 window for release. 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.

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

Should you wait for iPhone 18?

Whether you should wait for the iPhone 18 really depends on what you need right now and how much you’re willing to spend.

If the rumours are accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro models could bring meaningful upgrades, like a new A20 chip, improved AI performance, and advanced camera features such as a variable aperture system. The possibility of a foldable iPhone also adds a completely new form factor into the mix, but likely at a premium price (potentially around £1,799).

That said, waiting isn’t always the smartest move. With the base iPhone 18 models possibly delayed until 2027, you could be holding off for many months without a clear benefit, especially if you don’t need the latest Pro-level features.

A more practical option for many people is to buy a refurbished iPhone now, particularly a recent model like the iPhone 16 or iPhone 17. You’ll get the flagship-level performance at a lower price, the proven hardware (no first-generation risks like foldables) and last but not least, the immediate upgrade instead of waiting up to a year.

Our final thoughts on the iPhone 18 rumours

The iPhone 18 rumours point toward a generation focused more on refinement than reinvention. Performance upgrades, battery improvements, and Apple’s split-release strategy all appear highly likely based on current reporting.

At the same time, some of the more exciting rumours, including the foldable iPhone, under-display Face ID, and major AI breakthroughs, remain uncertain or supported by conflicting reports. As always with Apple leaks, the closer we get to launch, the clearer the picture will become.