Apple is set to start the trial manufacturing phase for its iPhone 18 series after the 2026 Lunar New Year festivities conclude. Small-scale production is projected to kick off in late February, once factories are fully operational again. Presently, the production setup for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup is nearly complete, and the blueprint for its hardware design has been solidified. The scope of external design changes might be less extensive than initially thought, as the model will carry forward the design aesthetics of the iPhone 17 Pro. Apple intends to roll out its new offerings in stages, with the iPhone 18 Pro and Apple's inaugural foldable iPhone slated for a September 2026 launch. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 18 and the budget-friendly iPhone 18e will see their release delayed until spring 2027.

When it comes to specifications, the standard iPhone 18 is expected to receive a boost, featuring 12GB of RAM and being powered by the A20 chip. There's also a possibility that it will do away with the capacitive sensor used for the 'Camera Control Button.' The Pro variant, on the other hand, is poised to make its debut with the A20 Pro chip, integrating a host of state-of-the-art technologies. Moreover, it will be the pioneer in showcasing Apple's proprietary C2 baseband chip.