Apple Skips Base iPhone 18 at Fall Event, Introduces Pro Lineup and Foldable iPhone Duo
Quick Look
Apple revealed the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and foldable iPhone Duo at its event while skipping the base iPhone 18, which is delayed until spring.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Rumors suggested Apple would prioritize high-margin premium models due to memory shortages.
Apple is taking the unusual step of skipping the base iPhone 18 this fall. At its “surprise and shine” event today, the company revealed the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, alongside a new foldable iPhone Duo. But the base iPhone 18 was a no-show. Rumors had suggested Apple would only launch premium iPhones this fall, with the base model slipping to next spring.
Memory and chip shortages likely contributed to the delay, putting pressure on pricing and forcing Apple to prioritize higher-priced iPhone models that have larger profit margins. Both the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are $100 more this year than the previous models.
A new iPhone Air and more affordable iPhone 18E are rumored to launch in the first quarter of next year, around the same time the base iPhone 18 is expected to debut.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Apple to launch iPhone Air, iPhone 18E, and base iPhone 18 in Q1 next year.
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- When will the base iPhone 18 launch?
- What is the exact price of the iPhone Duo?
