According to the technology information leakage account "Fixed Focus Digital", downgrading the configuration of the standard iPhone 18 model is almost inevitable due to the global supply shortage. However, instead of rushing to launch products to the market, Apple is said to have proactively chosen the delay option.
Sources said Apple wants to extend the production life of the iPhone 17 and sharply increase the output of this device to help the current model consolidate market share in the popular segment before the "successor product" with lower configuration appears.
Fixed Focus Digital commented that this is an "extremely clever market correction mechanism". Accordingly, if the standard iPhone 18 is actually cut in configuration, launching it about 18 months later than the iPhone 17 will help Apple more easily "soothe" user reactions, because then the iPhone 17 will have enough time to dominate the popular segment.
This is also the latest development in a series of rumors about the standard iPhone 18 being cut many components to save costs.
According to current rumors, iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2 are expected to launch in spring 2027. Meanwhile, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the folding model "iPhone Ultra" may appear from fall 2026.
