An Apple supplier has lent additional credibility to ongoing rumors suggesting Apple will release the iPhone 18 base model separately in early 2027.
It seems increasingly likely that Apple will not release the core iPhone 18 at its expected September 2026 iPhone launch. Instead, the company may launch it in early 2027.
This isn't the first time we've heard this story. The rumor first surfaced nearly a year ago in August 2025.
According to Taiwanese financial publication United Daily News, Pegatron, one of Apple's key iPhone manufacturers, has confirmed the split launch date at its August 12 earnings conference.
While we may not see the iPhone 18 until the first quarter of 2027, it seems Apple still plans to launch the iPhone 18 Pro lineup in September 2026. Allegedly, Apple is prioritizing the components for the higher-end, and subsequently higher-margin, Pro models.
Pegatron says those margins may help Apple weather the increasing cost of components, but isn't sure if the company will increase costs on customers.
Like many things affecting consumer electronics, the blame rests mostly on shifting market priorities. There's an ongoing shortage of necessary components like semiconductors, RAM, and SSDs.
Currently, many experts and supply chain analysts believe that the shortage could last until 2028. Some believe it could last even longer.
Many companies, including Pegatron, are now prioritizing AI. The company announced that it plans to shift its manufacturing and research and development resources to AI servers.
We recently saw the same thing happen with one of Apple's key memory suppliers, SK hynix. It made a $38 billion bet on the AI boom lasting until at least 2029 and plans to build two new facilities for crafting AI-specific memory and storage components.
As companies shift priorities, it leaves less money and resources available for consumer electronics.
While it seems somewhat strange at first blush, Apple splitting its iPhone release wouldn't be notably off-mark for the company.
Apple doesn't release its budget-friendly iPhone models with its main-line models. Those are typically released the following spring.
