Apple's upcoming iPhone cycle is already getting attention, but most of the spotlight right now is on the premium models. The company is expected to bring its Pro lineup and even its first foldable phone later this year, which has taken over most of the conversation. But that doesn’t mean the regular iPhone 18 is being ignored. Early details suggest that the base model could still bring some meaningful upgrades, even if it arrives a little later than usual.

iPhone 18: Split launch timeline this time

Apple may not follow its usual release plan. Instead of launching all models together, the company is expected to introduce the Pro variants first, likely in late 2026. The standard iPhone 18 could arrive a few months later, possibly in early 2027. For buyers who usually wait for the more affordable version, this means a longer wait, but it could also bring a more polished device.

New A20 chip for better performance

One of the biggest upgrades could come from the new A20 processor. Apple is expected to move to a 2nm process, which should improve both speed and battery life. While this may not sound dramatic, such changes usually make everyday usage smoother, especially as phones handle more AI-related tasks.

RAM upgrade may finally happen

The base model could see a jump to 12GB RAM. This would bring it closer to the higher-end models and help with multitasking. It also prepares the device better for future software updates and AI features.

Front camera could get sharper

Apple may upgrade the front camera to a 24-megapixel sensor. This could result in better selfies and clearer video calls. It’s a small change, but one that users are likely to notice in daily use.

Brighter display in the works

The display size may remain the same, but Apple is said to be working on improving brightness levels. Reports suggest the company has set very high targets, and suppliers are finding it challenging to meet them. If achieved, this could make the screen easier to use outdoors.

Smaller Dynamic Island possible

The Dynamic Island design could become less noticeable. Apple may reduce its size, making it take up less space on the screen. While earlier leaks suggested this for Pro models, there is a chance the standard version could also benefit.

Camera controls may be simplified

Apple might make changes to camera controls by relying only on pressure-based input instead of combining touch and pressure. This could make the feature simpler to use while also helping reduce complexity in the hardware.

Familiar design with small tweaks

In terms of looks, the iPhone 18 is likely to stay close to the current design. There could be minor changes like a slightly refined camera bump, but nothing drastically different. Apple appears to be focusing more on internal improvements this time. Overall, the iPhone 18 may not grab immediate attention due to its delayed launch, but it still looks like a well-rounded upgrade.

- Ends

Published By:

Ankita Garg

Published On:

Apr 13, 2026 19:11 IST