Apple iPhone 18 Will Reportedly Cut These Corners to Save Costs

Apple’s standard iPhone 18 is again rumored to miss the company’s usual September launch schedule this year, according to a new leak from China.

The report claims the device could instead launch next spring alongside the iPhone 18e. If accurate, Apple’s September event would focus on the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a foldable model that has also been referred to as the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra.

The same leak says Apple may reduce costs on the iPhone 18 as chip prices continue to rise.

According to the rumor, the phone could use a lower-tier manufacturing process for its chipset, weaker chip specifications, and downgraded memory.

The report does not clarify whether the memory changes refer to a lower capacity or a slower memory type.

If the claim is accurate, the standard iPhone 18 would reportedly sit closer to the more affordable iPhone 18e in overall specifications than previous standard models have.

The source did not explain whether the reported cuts are in comparison with the iPhone 18 Pro models or the current iPhone 17.

If the comparison is against the iPhone 17, the older model could remain a stronger value option. However, the report remains unconfirmed.