Apple hosted its first major fall event under newly appointed CEO John Ternus last night. The ‘Surprise and Shine’ event saw the launch of several new products. The biggest announcement was Apple’s first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo. The company also unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Apple also introduced the Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and AirPods 5. However, one device that many fans had been waiting for was missing from the event. The company did not announce the standard iPhone 18. Unlike previous years, the base model was not launched alongside the Pro models. Here’s why the iPhone 18 may arrive later.
Apple usually launches its standard iPhone alongside the Pro models at its fall event. However, this year, the company has taken a different approach. It introduced only its higher-end iPhones, including the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the new iPhone Duo.
Well, the change was not entirely unexpected. For months now, there have been reports that suggested that Apple could change its iPhone launch strategy.
One possible reason is Apple’s expanding iPhone lineup. The company now has more models to introduce, including its first foldable iPhone. Launching every new model at the same event may make the lineup harder for buyers to understand.
Also read: Apple Event 2026: iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and other key announcements
Apple may also want to spread its major iPhone launches across the year. This could give each new model more attention instead of having several phones compete for the spotlight at the same time.
Another possible factor is the ongoing memory shortage. Apple may have expected supply challenges and decided to delay the standard iPhone 18 rather than launch it alongside the Pro models and iPhone Duo.
The standard iPhone 18 has not likely been cancelled. Instead, Apple is expected to introduce it later. According to reports, Apple may launch three more iPhone models in early 2027. These are expected to include the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and a second-generation iPhone Air.
This would mark a major change in Apple’s iPhone launch strategy. The company is expected to use the September event for its premium iPhones, while bringing more affordable models to the market several months later.