Leaks about Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 series may disappoint those waiting for the standard model.

According to the latest information from the supply chain and reliable sources, Apple is making serious restrictions on the standard model to close the hardware gap between the standard iPhone 18 and the affordable e series. Moreover, this change in strategy directly affects the release schedule of the device.

Hardware Sharing and Cost-Based Cuts

According to a source known as “Fixed Focus Digital” on Weibo and known for industry leaks, the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e models will share many common parts on the production line. This hardware overlap, which is measurable at the supply chain level, proves that the feature gap between the two devices is gradually closing. The source summarizes the situation with the following words: “Hear it from me: The features of the standard iPhone 18 model have been reduced and its launch has been postponed. This decision is final and will not change.”

These claims, which have come to the fore in recent weeks, indicate that Apple will cut the screen features and processor power of the standard model as a cost-cutting measure.

It is said that the technology giant may follow a different strategy in naming the A series chip to be used in the device in order to hide this capacity decrease in the processor. The fact that the Engineering Verification Tests of both devices will be carried out simultaneously in June confirms this joint engineering process.

Is the Difference Between the Standard Model and the e Series Disappearing?

When we look at the current iPhone 17 series, there are significant gaps between the standard model and the “e” version. Standard iPhone 17; It offers superior details such as a 6.3-inch screen with ProMotion support, peak brightness of up to 3000 nits, Dynamic Island, 5-core GPU and ultra-wide-angle camera.

On the other hand, the iPhone 17e model comes with a more modest package consisting of a 6.1-inch screen with a notched design, lack of ProMotion, 4-core GPU and only the main camera.

However, if the leaks are true, the clear distinction between these two devices will gradually blur, perhaps disappear completely, as the hardware quality of the standard model is compromised in the iPhone 18 generation.

New Launch Strategy Divided into Two from Apple

This hardware strategy radically changes Apple’s September promotion tradition, which has been going on for years. As confirmed by famous Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Nikkei reports, Apple is preparing to completely separate the launch of standard and Pro models.

Accordingly, September and October of 2026 will literally be a “Flagship Season” for Apple. Only high-end in this autumn window iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Maxand the highly anticipated foldable iPhone Ultramodels will appear on stage. Standard with reduced features iPhone 18, affordable iPhone 18eand brand new slim design iPhone Air 2The launch of the models will be postponed to the spring of 2027.

What do you think about Apple restricting hardware in standard models and dividing the flagship launch calendar into two? Don’t forget to express your thoughts in the comments section below.