If you are an iPhone user, maybe this news is what you want to hear if you are planning to upgrade your iPhone very soon, but you probably won’t have a base iPhone 18 to choose from until 2027.
This means that buyers who are looking for a more budget-friendly option will likely have to wait longer than usual before they can purchase an iPhone 18.
However, the opposite may be true, and this new timeline may actually benefit you.
A “budget” iPhone that could match Pro performance
The iPhone 18’s RAM capacity has been one of the most discussed features. As per Dan Nystedt, a tech analyst, Apple could offer the standard model with 12 GB of RAM.
This rumor making the rounds again, add 12GB of RAM. https://t.co/vP14mEn5le
— Dan Nystedt (@dnystedt) April 24, 2026
This is significant because it only now appeared in the higher-end iPhones, such as the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, with 12GB RAM in 2025, and if Apple provides the same capabilities for the significantly cheaper standard iPhone model, it will help to narrow the gap between “standard” and “Pro.”
It seems likely that Apple has intended not only to create high-end hardware to support performance but also to provide software of quality.
As expected, Apple is going to announce iOS 27 and new devices equipped with Apple’s AI capabilities in the same timeframe. Therefore, the cost to manufacture the hardware necessary for this AI advancement is high.
In addition, the extra RAM provided with an iPhone will offer better performance each time you are using AI for data processing, greater multitasking ability and a longer life span.
In short, Apple anticipates both of its basic iPhones will be able to function at the same level of AI performance that current iPhones experience, but will not suffer from any degradation in performance.
Design upgrades
Rumoured iPhone 18 changes suggest we’ll see new design features, including:
• A front-facing camera and Face ID that will be integrated into the screen;
• A Dynamic Island that is smaller than previous versions;
• A camera shutter button that features only one type of pressure sensitivity; and,
• New colour finishes, including coffee brown.
The most exciting news is that we will not see a drastic redesign. We will still likely get a “balanced” iPhone with excellent upgrades, but not a full-fledged flagship.
This gives someone who may not want to purchase an iPhone 18, but the opportunity to do so.
Historically, once the new model launches, other models like the last generation iPhone 17 average 30-50% off MSRP. Apple has followed this pattern for many years.
By waiting to purchase either device, you will be in a stronger position, whether you decide to buy an upgraded base model (from 2027) or an older product at a lesser price.
So, should you actually wait?
When your cellular device stops functioning as expected, do not be stuck with an outdated device for another two years by waiting to upgrade! Wait to upgrade until your device performs well enough to warrant an upgrade.
The iPhone 18 isn’t similar to every other iPhone launched before. The iPhone 18 will mark a significant milestone where all iPhones are very very premium (even the lowest priced iPhone) due to the fact that most of the experience will be enhanced via artificial intelligence.
Sometimes it’s best to take the time necessary to evaluate if upgrading is worth it at this time.
Also Read: iPhone 18 Pro Max May Get A Major Battery Life Boost: Reports
