By all accounts, Apple is expected to release the base iPhone 18 in early 2027 alongside the iPhone Air 2. However, a new rumor is suggesting otherwise. Instead of launching two new phones early next year, the iPhone Air 2 might replace the base iPhone 18 model.
iPhone Air 2 could replace iPhone 18
This comes from an X account calling itself Early Apple. They claim that Apple will replace the iPhone 18 with the iPhone Air 2. What this means is that if you’re looking for a “cheap” iPhone, you’ll have to pay $999 for it, which is the price of the iPhone Air when it first launched.
This is an interesting rumor, although we’re a bit skeptical since it comes from a relatively unknown source. But at the same time, it sort of makes sense. Due to the ongoing memory crisis, components like RAM and storage are becoming more expensive. Apple was previously rumored to absorb more of the costs for the base iPhone 18 model.
The idea was to lock more customers into its ecosystem, in which they would generate money through apps customers purchase and subscriptions like iCloud, Apple Music, Apple One, and so on. However, it is possible that the rising costs might be too much for Apple to bear.
So it would be better to scrap the cheaper iPhone in favor of the more expensive iPhone Air 2, which presumably might have better, or at least more acceptable, margins. We’ve already seen how some companies have ditched upcoming budget models because it no longer makes financial sense. So why would Apple be any different?
What about the iPhone 18e?
That being said, if the rumors are true, what will become of the iPhone 18e? That will be an even cheaper option. In fact, the most recent rumors we’ve heard is that Apple could actually increase the RAM of the phone to 9GB. However, Apple could cut costs by using older tech for the rest of the phone.
In any case, it’s probably best to take this with a grain of salt for now. We will know more about Apple’s flagship phones later today, but it will be a while before we learn more about 2027’s releases.
The post Is the $799 iPhone Extinct? Apple Might Ax the Base iPhone 18 appeared first on Android Headlines.
