Apple’s iPhone lineup is usually relatively similar across the models. The differences lie in the display size, battery, and cameras. However, as far as performance goes, they’re usually not too dissimilar from each other. But that could change with the base iPhone 18 next year, with reports suggesting a specs downgrade.
iPhone 18 might be a bigger downgrade than we thought
According to a post on Weibo by tipster Fixed Focus Digital, the base iPhone 18 in 2027 could be a downgrade. While they didn’t go into specifics, they claimed that the iPhone 18 could use a different manufacturing process, chip specifications, and memory. This would make it more in line with the iPhone 18e rather than the iPhone 18 Pro.
The tipster followed up with more comments, claiming this is part of Apple’s strategy at reducing costs. Due to the ongoing memory crisis, the cost of RAM is through the roof. Instead of raising the prices of its phones, Apple is lowering the specs. It seems that Apple is committed to maintaining the price, although this could make the iPhone 18 closer to an upgraded version of the iPhone 18e than its Pro sibligns.
Go Pro if you want the flagship experience
For users who want the full flagship experience, the rumor means that the iPhone 18 Pro models are your best bet. For starters, it is expected that Apple will be introducing a chipset built on TSMC’s 2nm process. This will allow the chip to be not only more powerful but also more efficient at the same time. We’ve also heard reports that the cameras are getting an upgrade.
However, this also means you’ll have to pay more. If you’ve typically bought the base iPhone to save money, next year’s experience might not be the same. We can’t say for sure if these differences will be noticeable in day-to-day use, but it’s something to keep in mind. In the meantime, Apple is also expected to officially unveil its first-ever foldable later this year.
The rumors claim it will be known as the iPhone Ultra. This new “Ultra” tier will definitely set it apart from the rest of the lineup. So, while the base iPhone 18 could see a sacrifice in performance, we suppose it helps distinguish itself from its more expensive siblings. Perhaps that was the point.
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