Apple may downgrade iPhone 18 to cut costs: here’s how flagship models could be affected – Firstpost

Apple’s iPhone lineup is usually similar across the models; most often, the differences are in display size, battery, and cameras. While these nuances vary slightly, the performance of these phones is usually not too dissimilar from each other. But all this might change with the upcoming iPhone 18 next year, where reports suggest that the base model will see a specs downgrade.

iPhone 18 to witness a downgrade

According to a post on Weibo and other reports on platforms such as MacRumors, the base iPhone 18, 2027, could witness a specs downgrade. Apple has apparently chosen new low-cost manufacturing strategies for its device, including downgrades to the manufacturing process, chips, memory, and more. This move will bring the basic iPhone more in line with the 18e model which is the Budget oriented spec.

With the current generation, the biggest differences between the iPhone 17e and iPhone 17 are in the Dynamic Island, display size, ProMotion, brightness capabilities, and the front-facing cameras. New reports suggest that the key differentiators might change in their next iteration.

While these leaks should be taken with a grain of salt, the leaker apparently confirmed and verified the information using multiple sources. The standard iPhone 18 is expected to launch months after the iPhone 18 Pro models as part of a split launch strategy. Apple has been lowering specs instead of increasing prices, as the cost of RAM is already through the roof.

Compromises on Pro models?

For users seeking the full flagship experience, the rumour means that the iPhone 18 Pro models are your best bet, as they will have the full-on flagship chipset and features without any compromise. The Pro variants are expected to introduce a new chipset built on the TSMC 2nm process.