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.

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.

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.

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?

*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 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.

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.