We got the iPhone 18 Pro and the foldable iPhone in September, but the base iPhone 18 isn’t expected to launch until March next year. While the 18 Pro doesn’t seem to sell all that well, and the iPhone Duo is yet to launch, it appears expectations for the vanilla model are big.
Apple is reportedly preparing for strong iPhone 18 sales
Production of the entry-level iPhone 18 may start at the end of November, according to a post (source in Chinese) from Weibo leaker Fixed Focus Digital. The leaker says that inventory levels indicate that Apple is gearing up for a substantial stockpile of devices.
This suggests that Apple is expecting very strong demand for the iPhone 18, which is expected to launch in March 2027. The information is most likely based on the component orders the company has placed in the supply chain.
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Could the iPhone 18 turn into a smashing success?
The iPhone 17 is the best-selling phone this year. | Image by PhoneArena
As with the vast majority of leaks, this information should be taken with a grain of salt. This leak is most likely based on orders from one of Apple’s suppliers, and it may not be representative of the overall production of the new phones.
On the other hand, Fixed Focus Digital has a strong track record, so this could be an indication of Apple’s real expectations. Considering the delay of the iPhone 18 premiere, a higher initial demand wouldn’t be such a surprise, especially after the success of the iPhone 17.
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Users online didn’t seem convinced that the iPhone 18 will sell all that well, especially with the likely $999 price tag. Some redditors said they’ll stick with their current devices until their batteries fail completely, though others agreed the base model will be the one to sell very well.
Some redditors expect the iPhone 18 to be a success. | Image by Reddit (screenshot
No signs of the iPhone Air 2 yet
The iPhone Air sequel should also launch next spring. | Image by PhoneArena
Alongside the base iPhone 18, Apple is expected to also launch the more affordable iPhone 18e and the sequel to the ultra-slim iPhone Air. Answering to a question about the iPhone Air 2, Fixed Focus Digital said that there’s still no news about it.
In another comment, the leaker said that the changes to the Air 2 will be minimal, including a chip upgrade and an improved battery capacity. Earlier rumors suggested that there will also be a second camera on the back. Despite the lack of information about its production, the Air 2 is almost certainly launching with the other two models.
Pricing remains an open question for every new smartphone, but Apple may end up in a good position. Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy S27 series early next year, but a recent rumor suggested that all four models may come with hefty price hikes. With the base Galaxy S26 already starting at $999 in the US, this could give the base iPhone 18 a surprising price advantage.
Hardly a surprise
As most enthusiasts, I am always more interested in the Pro iPhones, but the base models have always been the truly mainstream ones. The only reason for this not to repeat with the iPhone 18 would be an excessive price hike, which is unlikely.
Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.
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