According to sources, Apple is lowering the original hardware specifications of the standard iPhone 18 to achieve cost control targets and further narrow the gap with the low-priced iPhone 18e. The news was first reported by the Chinese social platform Weibo user "Dingjiao Digital", who said that the iPhone 18 has made "certain downgrade adjustments" in manufacturing, and the relevant changes were clearly classified as "cost-cutting measures."
According to reports, Apple has formulated a new cost control strategy for the standard version of iPhone 18, involving many key links such as production processes, chips, and memory. The overall configuration will "effectively move closer to 18e." It’s unclear what core differences will remain between the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e after this round of cuts. In the current generation of iPhone 17e and iPhone 17 product lines, the main differences between the two sides focus on smart island, screen size, ProMotion adaptive high brush, screen brightness, front camera, ultra-wide-angle camera and battery life performance.
"Fixing Focus Digital" said that it had "confirmed and verified" the relevant information through multiple channels. He emphasized that this news about iPhone 18 comes from the same source that previously accurately stated that "iPhone 17e will continue to retain the bangs design and will not use Smart Island." This statement has ultimately been proven to be true, which enhances the credibility of the news.
According to existing rumors, Apple will adopt a new phased release strategy for the new round of models: the standard iPhone 18 will be available a few months after the iPhone 18 Pro series. It is widely expected that Apple’s regular fall conference will still focus on launching iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the rumored foldable model “iPhone Ultra”. As for iPhone 18e, standard iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2, they are more likely to be released in the spring of 2027.
In previous related revelations, "Fix Focus Digital" also mentioned that the standard version of iPhone 18 will not undergo significant changes in appearance design, which is consistent with Apple's idea of compressing costs through "implicit downgrading" of internal hardware. If the above news eventually comes true, the boundaries between Apple's mid-to-high-end and entry-level product lines may continue to be diluted, and the positioning of the standard iPhone will also face new tests.