Apple is reportedly planning a major overhaul to its traditional smartphone launch strategy with the upcoming iPhone 18 lineup, opting for a phased release schedule alongside its first-ever foldable device. According to industry supply chain leaks, Apple will showcase its premium flagship models—the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the ultra-premium foldable “iPhone Ultra”—at its annual September launch event, while deferring the standard iPhone 18, entry-level 18e, and second-generation iPhone Air to spring 2027. The flagship Pro variants are expected to feature TSMC’s cutting-edge 2-nanometer A20 Pro chip, offering a 15% performance boost and superior power efficiency to support expanded on-device AI capabilities in iOS 27. Hardware rumors point to standardized 12GB RAM across models, a downsized Dynamic Island cutout, a custom-designed C2 5G modem, and a headline-grabbing variable-aperture main camera for enhanced low-light photography. To accommodate larger batteries—including a rumored 5,500mAh cell in the Pro Max—and an upgraded vapor chamber cooling system, the Pro models may arrive with a slightly thicker and heavier footprint. Meanwhile, Apple’s inaugural book-style foldable is tipped to sport a 7.8-inch inner display with an almost invisible crease and a side-mounted Touch ID sensor, though rising memory component costs are expected to push flagship prices higher across the board.