The latest iPhone 18 rumors 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. Some of the most reliable rumors suggest a split release, with the Pro models coming out in the fall of 2026 and the base models being released in the spring of 2027. The strongest hardware leaks suggest the phones will have an A20 Pro chip, 12GB of RAM, the C2 modem, and better battery life. Design changes look modest, with a smaller Dynamic Island more likely than full under-display Face ID. 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 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 rumors point to the potential release of an iPhone foldable and a split-release strategy for the newest generation.

The most consistent predictions we have at the moment are about the iPhone 18 release date being based on a split-release strategy from Apple, with the Pro models and possibly the foldable iPhone expected to be out around September 2026. The standard models are expected to come out a little later, in the spring of 2027.

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, but it will have the A20 chip and potentially only Touch ID side button rather than Face ID due to its size. Bloomberg says Apple plans an AI reboot with a new Siri app, a new look, and an Ask Siri button. MacRumors says iOS 27 is expected to deliver the long delayed Siri features Apple already described, including personal context, onscreen awareness, and deeper app integration. Some of the most commonly talked about iPhone 18 features we’ve heard rumors about 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 compare current iPhone generations to find the best fit for you.

What are the rumored upgrades per iPhone 18 model?

✨The iPhone 18 Pro upgrade rumors seem to be the most consistent, as well as the rumors 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 rumors.

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, 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, though there are reliable rumors of a move towards a smaller Dynamic Island, with some conflicting reports about a full or partial under-display Face ID. 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 ouriPhone camera comparisons to see the current list. 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.

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

*Prices taken at the date of publication — these are subject to change.

What are our final thoughts on the iPhone 18 rumors?

The iPhone 18 looks to give users meaningful performance improvements rather than a dramatic redesign. When comparing the iPhone 18 vs. iPhone 17, expected upgrades like the A20 chip, improved battery efficiency, and camera refinements suggest a faster, more future-ready experience. However, the iPhone 17 already offers strong performance, a modern design, and advanced camera features. With current Back Market pricing creating noticeable savings, the iPhone 17 is a smart choice for value-focused buyers, especially as the price may drop further in light of the next generation’s release. The iPhone 18 will suit those who want the latest and greatest hardware, while the iPhone 17 continues to offer excellent everyday performance at a lower cost, especially when you buy from Back Market.