iPhone 18 Pro is about to be unveiled, and due to a lineup overhaul this year, it’s set to become Apple’s new default model like never before.
With no base iPhone 18 available, iPhone 18 Pro will be Apple’s default new model this year
Apple has offered multiple new iPhone models every year for a very long time. And no doubt will for many years to come.
But at this week’s Apple event, a big shakeup is coming to the iPhone lineup.
Rather than launching the typical ‘iPhone’ and ‘iPhone Pro’ options, the base model iPhone 18 will be missing.
Numerous reports point to Apple pushing back the release of iPhone 18 and also iPhone Air 2 into early 2027. That leaves a fall lineup consisting only of:
By delaying iPhone 18 beyond its typical release schedule, iPhone 18 Pro will essentially become Apple’s new default model.
Users who need a cheaper device will still be able to choose from last year’s iPhone 17, or the iPhone 17e or iPhone Air. But in all the marketing we see from Apple and carrier partners this fall and into the holidays, there will be no ‘iPhone 18’ to promote as the new default. Instead, iPhone 18 Pro will fill that role.
iPhone Ultra will be too expensive, and likely fairly niche in comparison.
So for the average person who wants “the new iPhone,” Apple will basically have just two options: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max.
It’s an interesting experiment, and could see iPhone 18 Pro become the new bestselling Pro model. But paired with expected price increases, it’s also a risk for Apple. Prospective upgraders might hold on to their current iPhone longer because there’s no iPhone 18 to upgrade to.
One way or another, we’ll find out very soon whether Apple’s new plan pays off.
What do you think of Apple’s iPhone lineup changes this year? Let us know in the comments.
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