Apple is splitting its iPhone 18 lineup this cycle, with the base model delayed beyond the traditional September window. At its September 9, 2026 “Surprise and Shine” event, the company launched only the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and foldable iPhone Duo, citing memory and chip shortages that favor higher-margin premium devices. The standard iPhone 18—expected to feature a 2nm A20 chip, smaller Dynamic Island, and C2 modem—is now slated for a spring 2027 debut alongside the iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2, according to consistent reporting from Bloomberg and MacRumors. This shift from Apple’s prior annual cadence creates the main uncertainty for traders, as any further supply constraints or strategic adjustments could alter the exact release window.