Apple is downgrading the planned specifications of the standard iPhone 18 to cut costs, a leaker claims.
In a new post on Weibo, the user known as "Fixed Focus Digital" said that the iPhone 18 features "certain manufacturing downgrades" that bring it more into line with the low-cost iPhone 18e model. The decision is said to be "a cost-cutting measure."
Apple has apparently chosen to implement new cost-control strategies for the device, including specific downgrades to manufacturing processes, chips, memory, and more. The move will "effectively bring it in line with the '18e' model."
With the iPhone 17e and iPhone 17, the biggest differences are the Dynamic Island, display size, ProMotion, brightness, the front facing camera, the Ultra Wide camera, and battery life. It is not clear which key differentiators will remain between the two devices in their next iterations.
The leaker apparently "confirmed" and verified the information using multiple sources. They noted that the information originates from the same source who correctly confirmed that the iPhone 17e would continue to feature a "notch," contrary to false reports that the device would have a Dynamic Island.
The standard iPhone 18 is expected to launch months after the iPhone 18 Pro models as part of an all-new split launch strategy. Apple's usual fall iPhone announcement is expected to include the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the so-called foldable "iPhone Ultra." The iPhone 18e, iPhone 18, and iPhone Air 2 will likely follow in the spring of 2027.
