When is the new iPhone coming out? What we know about the iPhone 18
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If you’re wondering when the new iPhone is coming out, Apple’s next event is on Wednesday 9 September 2026 at 6 pm UK time. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to appear, with reports pointing to a possible on-sale date of 18 September. Apple has confirmed the event, but those handset release dates are still predictions.
If you’re waiting for the standard iPhone 18, you may have a longer wait. Current reporting suggests it could arrive in spring 2027.
That’s quite an important detail if you’ve been holding off on buying a phone because you thought the whole range was about to land.
Apple introduced the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air at its September 2025 event. This year, reports suggest it could split its next generation across two launch periods, with the Pro models arriving first. So, when you see a headline about the ‘iPhone 18 launch’, check which model it means.
For anyone interested in the Pro or Pro Max, September is the month to watch. MacRumors suggests pre-orders could open on Saturday 12 September, followed by availability on Friday 18 September. These dates have yet to be confirmed by Apple, so I’d treat them as dates to keep an eye on while we wait for the announcement.
There’s also plenty of discussion about Apple introducing its first foldable iPhone at the event. ‘iPhone Ultra’ is one of the names being reported, although Apple hasn’t confirmed that either. If you’ve seen pictures online, check whether they’re labelled as renders or concepts before assuming they show the finished phone.
As for how much the iPhone 18 will cost in the UK, we’re still waiting for official pricing. A rumoured dollar price doesn’t give us a confirmed UK price, and an expected starting price won’t tell you what your preferred storage option will cost. It’s worth waiting for the full UK listings before deciding whether it fits your budget.
The same goes for deciding whether it’s worth upgrading. Until Apple publishes the specifications and reviewers have tested the phones, we can’t fairly judge how much difference they’ll make to everyday use. Think about what you want your next phone to improve: battery life, photos, storage or perhaps a screen that’s easier to read. Those are useful things to compare once the details are available.
With the event only two days away at the time of writing, I’d wait for the announcement if your current phone is still doing its job. You’ll have more information to work with before spending your money. If it’s specifically the standard iPhone 18 you want, though, be prepared for the possibility of waiting until 2027.
If you need a phone sooner, have a look through our current iPhone deals. Compare the models, storage options and prices with what you need from your next handset and choose something you’ll be happy using every day.
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