The latest iPhone 18 rumors and leaks

✨TL: DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read)

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are landing September 18, 2026, confirmed by an Apple keynote on September 9. Hardware-wise, the A20 Pro chip, 12GB of RAM, and Apple C2 modem are the most solid predictions for Pro models. Battery specs have leaked too: 4,288 mAh for the Pro and around 5,100–5,200 mAh for the Pro Max. On the design front, a smaller Dynamic Island is the expected update; full under-display Face ID has been confirmed off the table for this generation. The biggest story is Siri: Apple officially confirmed at WWDC 2026 that iOS 27 brings a complete Siri overhaul powered by Google Gemini, with a new app, a new Ask Siri button, and a redesigned interface. The standard iPhone 18, 18e, and iPhone Air 2 are all confirmed for spring 2027. If you're not waiting, compare iPhone 17 models to decide which one fits your needs best and find the best offe on Back Market.

On price, IDC revised its forecast upward in late June, now estimating a $200 increase for the Pro models: $1,249–$1,299 for the Pro and $1,349–$1,399 for the Pro Max, up from $1,099 and $1,199.

Why should I trust this report on iPhone 18 rumors?

You can trust our report on iPhone 18 rumors 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 rumor 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 out 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 rumors is designed to help you make an informed decision and give you some valuable information about these upcoming releases.

What are the rumored iPhone 18 features?

✨ Among other expected performance upgrades, the most reliable information points to the potential release of an iPhone foldable, a confirmed split-release strategy, and a full Siri AI overhaul officially announced at WWDC 2026.

The iPhone 18 launch timeline is firming up. Based on the iOS 27 developer beta schedule, which mirrors last year's pattern, Apple's keynote is expected on Wednesday, September 9, with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max on sale Friday, September 18, 2026. The standard models are confirmed for spring 2027. Worth noting: Apple announced in April that CEO Tim Cook will step down September 1, making the iPhone 18 the first Apple launch under new CEO John Ternus.

According to sources like MacRumors and Phonearena, Apple will also be releasing the first foldable iPhone along with its Pro models in 2026. The foldable iPhone is expected to be similar in design to the Galaxy and Google foldable phones, with the A20 chip and potentially only a Touch ID side button rather than Face ID due to its size. Apple officially confirmed at WWDC 2026 a full AI reboot of Siri for iOS 27, powered by Google Gemini, introducing a standalone Siri app, a new Ask Siri button, and a redesigned interface. iOS 27 also delivers personal context, onscreen awareness, and deeper app integration. Some of the most commonly talked about iPhone 18 hardware upgrades include better chip efficiency, longer battery life, more in-device AI headroom, and better selfie camera hardware.

“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.

What AI features is Apple confirming with iOS 27 and the iPhone 18?

✨ Apple officially confirmed at WWDC 2026 a complete Siri overhaul for iOS 27, powered by Google Gemini, making this the most significant AI update in iPhone history.

The Siri reboot is no longer a prediction: Apple announced all of the following at WWDC 2026 on June 8:

• A standalone Siri app with a redesigned interface

• A new Ask Siri button for quick AI access

• Google Gemini as the underlying AI model powering Siri's new capabilities

• Personal context: Siri can reference your past conversations and emails

• Onscreen awareness: Siri can act on what's visible on your display

• Deeper app integration: Siri can now perform actions directly inside third-party apps

iOS 27 also introduces the Liquid Glass design language, previewed at WWDC, including a new Settings transparency slider that lets you control how much of the glass effect appears across the interface.

For iPhone 18 buyers, this means the AI features you're upgrading for are confirmed and shipping with iOS 27 at launch, not hypothetical additions that may or may not land on time.

Why is the standard iPhone 18 delayed to spring 2027?

The standard iPhone 18 isn't arriving until spring 2027 for two reasons that have very little to do with each other: Apple's choice, and the chip industry's limits.

Apple's decision to stagger the launch is partly strategic. Running two separate launch events, one in fall 2026 and one in spring 2027, means two rounds of media coverage, two sales peaks, and a cleaner separation between the Pro audience and the broader market. The Pro models, which carry the highest margins, go first.

The industrial constraint is more urgent. The switch to 2nm chip manufacturing requires long ramp-up time at TSMC. More pressingly, a global RAM shortage is creating supply bottlenecks. The AI boom has driven unprecedented demand for high-bandwidth memory, pushing factories close to capacity. Delaying the standard model lets Apple lock in enough RAM for the Pro lineup without the two ranges competing for the same constrained components.

If waiting until spring 2027 isn't your plan, compare refurbished iPhone 17 models on Back Market to find the best option available right now.

 What's new for the standard iPhone 18?

The standard iPhone 18 lands in spring 2027, and the picture is a mixed bag: real upgrades in some areas, deliberate cost-cutting in others.

The biggest confirmed upgrade is the A20 chip built on TSMC's 2nm process, though with a simpler architecture than the Pro version. Apple's focus here is power efficiency rather than peak performance. Wi-Fi 7 is also expected across the entire iPhone 18 lineup.

The RAM question is where it gets complicated. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo estimates the standard iPhone 18 will ship with 9GB of RAM, not the 12GB in the Pro models. That matters more than it sounds: iOS 27 reportedly requires at least 12GB to run on-device Siri voice personalization and enhanced dictation locally. If Kuo's estimate is accurate, those AI features will be reserved for Pro models in this generation.

On design, the Dynamic Island may shrink slightly, though that's still being contested by leakers. Under-display Face ID is off the table for all iPhone 18 models.

What are the rumored upgrades per iPhone 18 model?

✨The iPhone 18 Pro upgrade predictions are the most consistent of the bunch, anchored by confirmed news about the A20 Pro chip for Pro 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, 12GB of RAM, and a confirmed battery of 4,288 mAh, according to the most consistent leaks.

The iPhone 18 Pro rumors 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, an Apple C2 modem, and an N2 connectivity chip (successor to N1, supporting Wi-Fi 7+ and Bluetooth 6). It's also widely suggested that Apple will keep the overall design close to that of the iPhone 17 Pro, though recent reports confirm the flood illuminator will move under the display, resulting in a smaller Dynamic Island. However, full under-display Face ID remains off the table for this generation, as the front camera will still be visible. The rear design will feature a redesigned frosted Ceramic Shield for improved durability. 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 best iPhone for photos.

Battery capacity is expected to come in at 4,288 mAh for the eSIM model, a modest 36 mAh bump over the iPhone 17 Pro, according to Digital Chat Station. Useful for longevity, but don't expect a dramatic jump in screen-on time: the real battery story is the Pro Max.

The new chip, RAM, modem, and screen size are the most reliable rumors, while those surrounding the front design and the iPhone 18 camera changes have less confirmation.

Satellite 5G

The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to pack Apple's C2 modem, the successor to the C1X that debuted in the iPhone Air. The headline feature: 5G connectivity via satellite, letting you browse the web without a Wi-Fi connection or cellular network. That's a first for any iPhone, and a significant step beyond the emergency SOS satellite feature that's been available since the iPhone 14.

Connectivity upgrades

The Pro lineup is expected to use Apple's N2 wireless chip, the successor to the N1 in the iPhone 17. In practice, that means faster and more reliable Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 performance, most noticeably on congested networks like airports, stadiums, and busy offices.

Simplified Camera Control button

The Camera Control button introduced with the iPhone 16 is expected to be simplified on the iPhone 18 Pro. Tactile sensitivity and haptic feedback are both reportedly being dropped, leaving only pressure sensitivity. The reason, per multiple leakers, is that adoption rates were lower than Apple anticipated, and the more complex hardware added cost without meaningfully changing how people used it.

Titanium chassis

The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to arrive in a new titanium alloy with a surface treatment engineered to reduce scratch visibility and fingerprint marks. It's a refinement of the existing Pro design language rather than a new material, aimed at maintaining a cleaner look over time.

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 a confirmed 8.75mm chassis and a leaked battery of around 5,100–5,200 mAh.

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 rumors 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. Leaked specs from Digital Chat Station put the Pro Max battery at around 5,100–5,200 mAh. Chassis thickness has been pinned at 8.75mm by leaker Ice Universe — unchanged from the iPhone 17 Pro Max, despite earlier estimates of 8.8mm.

Rumor 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. Recent reports confirm this delay is a strategic market decision to extend the iPhone 17's sales window, not a production issue. Apple has extended iPhone 17 production and is running Engineering Validation Testing for both the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e simultaneously in June, with both models sharing interchangeable supply chain parts. According to various sources, the base model may still get the A20 chip and 12GB of RAM, though it will likely use a lower-tier modem (expected to be the C1X) rather than the Pro-exclusive C2 modem. Apple may also adjust the A-series chip naming to downplay the performance gap between Pro and standard models. 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 rumors 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. Like the standard iPhone 18 and the newly confirmed iPhone Air 2, this delay is part of Apple's strategic release plan rather than a supply chain constraint. 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 rumored 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 can we expect for the iPhone Air 2?

✨The iPhone Air 2 is confirmed for spring 2027 and is being redesigned with a second rear camera to address feedback on the original Air.

Apple is pushing the iPhone Air 2 into the spring 2027 release window rather than launching it in fall 2026 as originally anticipated. This strategic delay extends the iPhone 17 Air's sales window and aligns the Air 2 launch with the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e models. According to MacRumors and 9to5Mac, the delay appears intentional rather than production-related, as Engineering Validation Testing for both the Air 2 and standard iPhone 18 models is running simultaneously. A Bloomberg report from June 17, 2026 adds a key detail: Apple is redesigning the Air 2 to include a second rear camera, directly addressing consumer feedback on the original iPhone Air's single-lens setup. That redesign appears to be at least partly responsible for the fall-to-spring delay. Spec details remain limited, though the Air 2 is expected to maintain the ultra-thin design philosophy of the Air lineup while likely receiving the A20 chip and 12GB of RAM shared across the spring 2027 cohort. Reliability is high for the spring 2027 timing and medium for hardware specs.

What are the rumored iPhone 18 Pro color options?

✨Four new iPhone 18 Pro finishes have leaked via Pantone color codes, with Dark Cherry and Light Blue among the rumored options.

According to MacRumors, Apple is planning four color finishes for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, identified through leaked Pantone codes:

• Dark Cherry (wine-red finish)

• Light Blue

• Dark Gray

• Silver

The leaks suggest Apple is discontinuing the Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue options that appeared in the iPhone 17 Pro lineup. The new finishes will feature a redesigned frosted Ceramic Shield rear, which provides improved durability while maintaining the premium aesthetic. The Dark Cherry option marks Apple's first deep red Pro finish since the iPhone 13 Pro's Sierra Blue was introduced. Color availability typically doesn't affect core functionality but can impact resale value and availability, so it's worth considering if you have a strong color preference. You can compare iPhone 17 colors to get a sense of Apple's recent palette choices.

One important caveat: images circulating online in early June claiming to show Dark Cherry, Light Blue, and Dark Gray chassis designs were identified by the community as AI-manipulated. The Pantone color codes themselves remain credible from separate sourcing, but the image evidence is not authentic. Treat any visual "leaks" with that in mind until Apple's official reveal.

Reliability is medium to high for the color codes, though Apple can always adjust the final lineup before launch.

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

Price forecasts shifted in late June. After Apple raised Mac and iPad prices by up to $300, IDC Senior Director of Data & Analytics Nabila Popal revised her iPhone 18 Pro estimate upward: from a previously assumed $100 increase to a potential $200 increase per Pro model. The reasoning is straightforward: the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are both expected to carry 12GB of RAM, and the M4 iPad Air and M5 iPad Pro — which share that same memory spec — just saw price hikes of $150 and $200 respectively. IDC now estimates the iPhone 18 Pro starting at $1,249–$1,299 (up from $1,099) and the iPhone 18 Pro Max at $1,349–$1,399 (up from $1,199). These remain analyst estimates — Apple hasn't confirmed anything — but a $200 increase spread over a 36-month payment plan works out to roughly $5 extra per month, which IDC says is unlikely to dent upgrade intent among Pro buyers.

*iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max prices reflect IDC's revised upward estimate (June 26, 2026, via MacRumors), following Apple's Mac and iPad price increases. iPhone Fold/Ultra ASP estimate is also from IDC. All iPhone 18 prices are unconfirmed analyst forecasts, not Apple-confirmed pricing. Back Market prices are set by sellers and may vary. Prices shown are indicative of listings available at time of publication.

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

For most people, the math doesn't favor waiting.

If you're after a Pro model, launch is roughly three months away: the keynote is September 9, with handsets on sale around September 18. That's doable. But the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to cost significantly more than the iPhone 17 Pro: IDC revised its estimate to a potential $200 increase in late June, putting the Pro at $1,249–$1,299 and the Pro Max at $1,349–$1,399. That's a meaningful step up for a device that's largely a refinement, not a reinvention.

If you're after the standard iPhone 18, the wait is much longer: spring 2027. That's potentially close to a year from now. And per the latest analysis from Ming-Chi Kuo, the standard model may arrive with 9GB of RAM rather than 12GB, which would exclude it from some of iOS 27's on-device AI features.

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

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

A refurbished iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 17 already runs everything that matters today: ProMotion 120Hz display, titanium chassis, A18 Pro chip. The A20 Pro will bring real gains in AI processing, but for the things most people use their phones for daily, the practical difference will be imperceptible.

There's also an environmental argument. Buying a refurbished smartphone instead of a new one avoids around 77 kg of CO2e in manufacturing emissions per device, based on Back Market's calculation from the ADEME 2022 study (manufacturing phase only). That's roughly the carbon footprint of a short-haul flight.

What are our final thoughts on the iPhone 18 rumors?

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are shaping up to be a focused, confident upgrade: confirmed for September 18, 2026, built on the A20 Pro chip, and backed by the biggest Siri overhaul Apple has ever shipped. The hardware gains are real but measured — a 4,288 mAh battery for the Pro and around 5,100–5,200 mAh for the Pro Max, a smaller Dynamic Island, and a variable aperture camera. Full under-display Face ID is off the table for this generation.

One more thing worth flagging: pricing. IDC revised its Pro forecast in late June, now estimating a $200 price increase over the iPhone 17 Pro, which would put the iPhone 18 Pro at $1,249–$1,299 and the Pro Max at $1,349–$1,399.

The biggest story is software. Siri powered by Google Gemini, confirmed at WWDC 2026, changes what these phones can actually do rather than what they might do someday.

If you're weighing up whether to wait until September, here's a practical question worth asking: what does six months buy you? Refurbished iPhone 17 models on Back Market already deliver strong performance at a genuinely lower cost. Or check your iPhone trade-in value now: it could take a meaningful chunk off whatever you decide to buy next.