Release timeline and current availability
Apple broke its traditional launch rhythm in 2026 by unveiling the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the foldable iPhone 18 Duo at the Surprise and Shine event on 9 September. Those three premium devices are already for sale through Apple, major retailers such as Currys and Best Buy, and carrier stores. The remaining members of the family – the standard iPhone 18, the budget‑friendly iPhone 18e and the upgraded iPhone Air 2 – are slated for a spring 2027 debut, likely between January and March.
While the Pro models have generated steady demand, the Duo’s limited stock and early reports of hinge issues have prompted many buyers to wait for a more reliable batch. Reviews of the non‑defective Duo highlight its dual‑screen experience, but note that the device still lacks Face ID, relying instead on a side‑mounted Touch ID button.
Pricing overview for the launched models
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at £1,199 or $1,199 for 256GB and climbs to £2,399/$2,399 for the 2TB variant. The iPhone 18 Pro Max begins at £1,299/$1,299 and reaches £2,499/$2,499 for the top storage tier. The iPhone 18 Duo is positioned as the most expensive entry, with prices from £1,999/$1,999 for 256GB up to £3,199/$3,199 for 2TB. All three devices now offer a 2TB option for the first time.
Apple has not disclosed pricing for the upcoming iPhone 18, iPhone 18e or iPhone Air 2. Based on the £100/$100 increase seen across the iPhone 17 line, analysts predict starting prices of £899/$899 for the iPhone 18, £699/$699 for the iPhone 18e and £1,099/$1,099 for the iPhone Air 2.
Specs of the upcoming models
The standard iPhone 18 is expected to feature a 6.3‑inch OLED panel, the new 2nm A20 chip, a dual‑camera system with 48MP main and ultra‑wide sensors, and a 24MP front camera. Apple’s C2 modem, Wi‑Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 will provide next‑gen connectivity, while iOS 27 introduces Apple Intelligence and Gemini‑powered Siri.
The iPhone 18e will likely retain a 6.12‑inch LTPS OLED display at 60Hz, the same A20 processor, a single 48MP rear sensor and a 24MP selfie camera. Dynamic Island could appear for the first time on an e‑model, though AI features may be limited.
The iPhone Air 2 is rumored to keep its titanium chassis, add a second ultrawide lens to the 48MP main sensor, and sport a 6.55‑inch LTPO 120Hz display. Colour options may include Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold and a new lavender‑ish hue.
High‑end models already on the market
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max arrive in Burgundy, Glacier, Silver and Black, with colour‑matched back panels. Key upgrades include the A20 Pro chipset, a refined Dynamic Island, an enhanced vapor chamber for better thermals, up to 43 hours of video playback, and expanded Apple Intelligence capabilities.
The iPhone 18 Duo offers a 5.4‑inch outer panel and a 7.6‑inch inner display, both Super Retina XDR. It runs the A20 Pro chip, provides up to 31 hours of video playback on the inner screen, and includes a 48MP fusion camera system with a 12MP Center Stage selfie lens. The device retains an IP68 rating and supports MagSafe charging.
Software and ecosystem considerations
All iPhone 18 devices will ship with iOS 27, which adds a customisable Liquid Glass interface and the next iteration of Siri AI. While the iPhone 18e may not unlock the full suite of Siri capabilities, the rest of the lineup will benefit from deeper on‑device AI processing thanks to the A20 chip.
Competitors such as the Samsung Galaxy S25, Apple Watch Series 10 and iPad Air M2 continue to push the broader ecosystem, but Apple’s staggered rollout gives the iPhone 18 series a unique market rhythm that could influence buying decisions throughout 2027.