Apple is reportedly preparing to launch its standard iPhone 18 in the first half of 2027, with new leaks pointing to major battery and performance upgrades. However, the upcoming smartphone could also carry a higher price tag.
According to well-known Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station, who shared the details on Weibo, Apple is planning two significant hardware improvements for the standard iPhone 18.
The development comes after Apple changed its traditional launch schedule this year by introducing only the iPhone 18 Pro models. Reports suggest the company will release the standard models separately in early 2027.
iPhone 18 to get bigger battery and A20 chip
One of the major expected upgrades is a larger battery, which could deliver longer usage time compared with its predecessor.
The improvement is reportedly not limited to battery capacity. Apple is also expected to equip the standard iPhone 18 with a toned-down version of its A20 chipset.
The processor will reportedly be manufactured using TSMC’s advanced 2nm technology, which is expected to improve performance and power efficiency.
Although the standard model may not receive the full A20 Pro processor available in the Pro lineup, the new chipset could still offer noticeable improvements in everyday performance and battery consumption.
Smaller Dynamic Island may remain exclusive to Pro models
Despite the expected hardware upgrades, the standard iPhone 18 could miss out on a key design improvement.
According to the leak, Apple’s smaller Dynamic Island will remain exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro models.
This means the regular iPhone 18 is expected to retain the existing Dynamic Island design rather than adopting the smaller version reportedly introduced with the Pro lineup.
iPhone 18 price could increase
Another concern for potential buyers is the expected price increase.
The leak suggests Apple could raise the starting price of the standard iPhone 18, although no exact figure has been disclosed.
The potential increase comes amid rising component costs across the global smartphone industry. Apple had already raised the starting price of the iPhone 17 by $100 last year, adding to concerns about another price adjustment.
However, the final pricing remains unconfirmed.
When will Apple launch iPhone 18?
Apple has not officially announced the launch date or specifications of the standard iPhone 18.
Current leaks and reports point towards a launch in the first half of 2027, with early 2027 emerging as the expected release window.
The company is yet to confirm the reported battery capacity, processor specifications, Dynamic Island design or pricing.
