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Apple’s “Surprise and Shine” event on September 9 featured an unexpected gap in its smartphone lineup. New CEO John Ternus presented the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max alongside the highly anticipated iPhone Duo foldable device, but conspicuously absent was a standard iPhone 18 model. The omission marks a departure from Apple’s traditional September practice of unveiling its complete iPhone range simultaneously.
The company’s focus on premium offerings—with the iPhone 18 Pro starting at $1,199 and the iPhone Duo at $1,999—suggests a deliberate strategy to avoid cluttering the announcement with too many product introductions. Industry analysts believe Apple prioritized showcasing the foldable’s high-profile debut rather than diluting attention with a budget-friendly alternative in the same presentation.
Speculation surrounding the missing model gained credibility following pre-event rumors suggesting Apple plans to delay the standard iPhone 18’s release. According to reports, the regular iPhone 18, along with an iPhone 18e and new iPhone Air model, may not arrive until March 2027. This extended timeline means consumers seeking more affordable iPhone options will need to wait approximately six months.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will open for preorders on September 12, while the iPhone Duo begins preorders October 16. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17e remain available for purchase, providing alternatives for those unwilling to wait for the anticipated spring release.
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Originally reported by Mashable →
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