Apple Delays Base iPhone 18 Model Until 2025

Apple is shifting its iPhone release strategy, with the base iPhone 18 model now confirmed to miss its fall 2024 launch window. Instead, its debut is pushed to Q1 2025, according to a report from Economic Daily News. Pegatron, a key Apple supplier, disclosed this during an investor conference call.

Premium variants, including the iPhone 18 Pro and the foldable "Ultra" model, remain on track for a fall 2024 release. Additionally, more affordable options like the iPhone 18e and iPhone Air are slated for early 2025, aligning with industry rumors circulating for over a year. The delay stems from persistent component shortages, particularly chips and memory, which are forcing manufacturers to rethink production timelines and prioritize high-margin devices.

Industry analysts note that Apple has been gradually adopting this strategy over the past few years, gradually shifting its focus toward premium offerings. Earlier reports from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and The Information suggested Apple may exclusively launch top-tier iPhone models in fall 2026. In early 2024, another Apple supplier confirmed a customer delayed a smartphone launch to early 2027, hinting at potential long-term strategic changes.