For more than a decade, Apple has launched its new iPhones together in September. This year, it didn't. According to the latest reports, the regular iPhone 18 will now be released in spring 2027, while the cheaper iPhone 18e is expected alongside it.
Each and every old model available for sale got an increase of $100, including the iPhone Air, iPhone 17, iPhone 16 and iPhone 17e. Since there were no previous prices for the three new models, they are all listed as "n/a." Starting from $1,199, the iPhone 18 Pro goes up to $1,299 in case you get the Max version. The foldable iPhone Duo comes at $1,999, that's $700 more expensive than the Pro Max. The iPhone 17, priced at $899, is the least expensive standard iPhone available from Apple.
Why is the iPhone 18 delayed?
Apple has not made an explanation for the decision, but there are three reasons reported:
- An additional sales period. This strategy will give Apple an additional sales window for iPhones in the spring and won't make all efforts be made during the holidays only.
- More efficient marketing. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that a larger number of models makes marketing weaker, and this separation allows Apple to compete with companies such as Samsung, which presents its Galaxy S in spring.
- Higher component prices. The shortage of RAM is widely discussed, and according to TrendForce, higher memory prices are a major factor leading to higher prices.
This strategy is not new, as it was first mentioned by Mark Gurman in 2025, while the first confirmation from a supplier, Pegatron, came in August.
Where the iPhone 18e fits?
Apple is reportedly expected to launch the iPhone 18e near March 2027 along with the iPhone 18 and a new generation of iPhone Air, but Apple has not confirmed anything and the specifications are still speculative. This device is expected to use the 2nm A20 chip and will be equipped with the same 6.1-inch display. Regarding memory, Ming-Chi Kuo predicts 9GB for both the 18 and 18e models, whereas Jeff Pu anticipates 12GB for the base iPhone 18.
However, price is one of the major concerns. The recent price increase of the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17e may complicate keeping the same prices for the iPhone 18 and 18e models, and higher component costs could lead to a price increase for the standard iPhone 18. Consequently, if this happens, the 18e may become slightly more expensive compared to the iPhone 17e.
Since Apple does not release any new base model during this autumn season, the $899 iPhone 17 remains the cheapest standard iPhone and the iPhone 18 Pro starts from $300 higher. In other words, the owners of iPhone 16 and 17 have no strong motivation to buy a new iPhone, and those who want to buy a cheaper device have good reasons to wait until spring.
What it could mean for resale values?
These are expectations, not guarantees. If you want to check how well your model holds its value versus the original price, use Cashmycell's depreciation calculator.
- The higher new price may affect used phone prices positively. A higher price means that the base of comparison for used iPhones becomes higher too, potentially making them more attractive to buyers.
- The discontinued iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are under different pressure. Stable supply can help to hold the value, but depreciation and a lot of people who wish to upgrade also apply.
- The older base models may skip some of the decline in value during the holiday season. There will be no new base iPhone coming this autumn, thus the seasonal decline may be less sharp.
- Discounts by retailers can influence the value negatively. Retailers are offering some reductions on iPhone 17, thus influencing the market for used phones.
- The spring will be an important period for iPhone value. The iPhone 18 and 18e are expected to be released, and this could put additional pressure on the iPhone 16, 17 and 17e.
One suggestion for iPhone owners with higher storage capacities is to compare trade-in and resale offers carefully, as Apple's trade-in values may not always increase proportionally with the original storage capacity.
Sell now or wait?
If you plan on getting an iPhone 18 Pro or Duo, selling your phone before the new models arrive may help you avoid some of the depreciation that can happen during an upgrade cycle. Used-phone values generally decline over time, although the timing and size of the decline can vary.
If you are waiting on the release of the iPhone 18 or 18e, make sure that your phone is in good condition because that has a huge impact on your payout, and re-value it as spring comes around. Confused as to which side you're on? Calculate your phone's depreciation using Cashmycell’s depreciation calculator to see what your phone has lost so far and where it's heading.
Methodology
This article uses a combination of Apple's announced product lineup and pricing in September 2026 with the latest news related to the iPhone 18 and 18e. Information about the delay, spring 2027 timing, features and forecasted price comes from reports and analysts' predictions (Mark Gurman, Pegatron, Ming-Chi Kuo, Jeff Pu, and TrendForce). Where forecasts conflict, we present them side by side. Resale predictions are estimates based on past pricing trends, upgrade-season supply, and the effect of launch timing on used-phone demand. They are not guaranteed. We will recheck timing, specs, and pricing as Apple releases new information.
FAQs
1. Did Apple officially delay the release of iPhone 18?
Apple hasn't explained or confirmed any reason for the delay. The standard iPhone 18 is expected to launch in spring 2027, according to analysts and supply chain reports.
2. What iPhones were introduced by Apple in September 2026?
Apple released the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and foldable iPhone Duo. There wasn't any standard iPhone 18 or iPhone 18e launched.
3. When will the iPhone 18e be available?
The iPhone 18e is expected to be introduced in March 2027, along with the iPhone 18 and second-generation iPhone Air. Nothing is official from Apple yet.
4. Why is Apple supposedly dividing its iPhone releases?
According to the reports, there are three reasons behind it: the creation of a second sales window, more effective marketing according to Ming-Chi Kuo, and increasing component costs such as RAM.
5. What are the prices of new iPhones?
The new foldable iPhone Duo is priced at $1,999, the iPhone 18 Pro Max costs $1,299, and the iPhone 18 Pro is priced at $1,199 in the USA.
6. Were prices of older iPhones increased?
Yes. The iPhone Air was priced from $999 to $1,099, the iPhone 17 from $799 to $899, the iPhone 16 from $699 to $799, and the iPhone 17e from $599 to $699.
7. What specs does the iPhone 18e have according to analysts?
The iPhone 18e might use the 2nm A20 chip and have a 6.1-inch screen, according to Kuo's forecasts. The memory for both the iPhone 18 and 18e would be 9GB according to Kuo, but Jeff Pu predicts 12GB for the base iPhone 18.
8. Would the iPhone 18e cost more than the 17e?
It could, depending on Apple's final pricing. If higher component costs result in a price increase for the iPhone 18 and that increase also applies to the 18e, the latter could cost more than the 17e.
9. Would the delay impact the value of used iPhones?
Higher prices for new phones may help used iPhones maintain their value. Moreover, the base models may not experience the typical holiday price drop because there is no new base iPhone launching this fall. However, retailer discounts on the iPhone 17 could put pressure on used-phone prices. The iPhone 16, 17, and 17e could face additional depreciation when the iPhone 18 and 18e arrive in spring.
10. Should I sell my iPhone right now or should I wait?
If you plan on upgrading to an iPhone 18 Pro or Duo, selling your old phone before the new models arrive may help you avoid some depreciation during the upgrade cycle. However, if you are waiting for the iPhone 18 or 18e, then you should take care of your phone and check its value before spring arrives.