iPhone 18 Trial Production Begins After Lunar New Year
Apple is moving full speed ahead with its next-generation iPhone. According to trusted Weibo leaker Fixed Focus Digital, trial production of the iPhone 18 is slated to begin in late February 2026—right after Chinese factories resume operations following the Lunar New Year holiday. This early manufacturing phase signals Apple’s confidence in finalizing the hardware design well ahead of the device’s anticipated launch window in spring 2027. For consumers wondering when the next iPhone will arrive and what to expect, this timeline offers the first concrete glimpse into Apple’s evolving product roadmap.
Pro Models Already Locked In
While the standard iPhone 18 is still undergoing final tweaks, sources confirm that the iPhone 18 Pro models have already passed the design freeze stage. Production lines for these premium devices are reportedly being set up in China, a strong indicator that Apple has settled on the Pro lineup’s core specifications and external form factor. Interestingly, the design changes from the iPhone 17 Pro are expected to be subtle—contrary to widespread speculation about a major visual overhaul. The signature triple-lens camera array will remain, now housed within the elevated “camera plateau” introduced with the iPhone 17 series.
iPhone 18 Launch Strategy Takes a New Turn
One of the most notable shifts in Apple’s hardware strategy is the move toward a split iPhone launch cycle. Industry insiders now believe the iPhone 18 Pro and a long-rumored foldable iPhone will debut together in September 2026. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 18 and the budget-friendly iPhone 18e are expected to follow months later in spring 2027. This new cadence could allow Apple to better manage supply chains, stagger marketing campaigns, and maximize consumer interest across different product tiers throughout the year.
Cost-Cutting Measures on the Standard Model
Apple appears to be making strategic compromises on the base iPhone 18 to control costs. Reports suggest the device will include a simplified Camera Control button—a feature first introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro—without the capacitive sensor found on higher-end models. However, the button will retain pressure-sensing capabilities to support all core functions. This approach allows Apple to offer a similar user experience while reducing component expenses, a move that could help keep the iPhone 18’s price competitive in an increasingly crowded mid-tier smartphone market.
Performance Leap with A20 Chip and 12GB RAM
Under the hood, the standard iPhone 18 is poised for a significant performance upgrade. It’s expected to be the first non-Pro model to feature 12GB of RAM, matching the current Pro lineup and enabling smoother multitasking and future-proofing for iOS updates. More impressively, it will debut Apple’s next-gen A20 chip, built on TSMC’s cutting-edge 2nm process node. This architecture promises major gains in power efficiency and computational speed, potentially narrowing the performance gap between standard and Pro models like never before.
iPhone 18 Pro: A Tech Showcase
While the standard iPhone 18 focuses on accessibility and efficiency, the iPhone 18 Pro is shaping up to be Apple’s most advanced smartphone yet. It’s expected to debut the A20 Pro chip, an even more powerful variant of the A20, optimized for AI workloads and professional-grade photography. Rumors also point to several groundbreaking hardware innovations, including a variable aperture lens for dynamic depth control and a new three-layer stacked image sensor co-developed with Samsung—aimed at dramatically improving low-light performance and dynamic range.
Under-Screen Face ID Finally Arrives?
Perhaps the most exciting rumor surrounding the iPhone 18 Pro is the potential integration of under-screen Face ID. If realized, this would eliminate the need for the Dynamic Island or notch entirely, paving the way for a truly bezel-less front display. While Apple has explored this technology for years, supply chain reports now suggest the company may have finally solved the reliability and manufacturing challenges. Should this feature make the cut, it would represent the biggest design shift since the iPhone X.
Apple’s New C2 Modem Enters the Spotlight
Another critical advancement expected in the iPhone 18 Pro is Apple’s proprietary C2 modem. After years of reliance on Qualcomm for cellular connectivity, Apple is reportedly ready to deploy its second-generation in-house modem. The C2 promises faster data speeds, improved battery efficiency, and better signal reliability—key areas where Apple has historically lagged behind competitors. Integrating this modem into the iPhone 18 Pro would mark a major milestone in Apple’s long-term strategy to control more of its hardware ecosystem.
What This Means for iPhone Buyers
For consumers, these developments signal a more segmented iPhone experience. Those seeking cutting-edge tech—like under-display Face ID, advanced camera systems, and the C2 modem—will need to opt for the Pro models launching in late 2026. Meanwhile, budget-conscious users or those upgrading from older devices may find the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e launching in spring 2027 to be more than sufficient, especially with the inclusion of 12GB RAM and the efficient A20 chip.
Why Timing Matters in 2026
Apple’s decision to stagger the iPhone 18 rollout isn’t just logistical—it’s strategic. With global smartphone sales plateauing, Apple aims to maintain consumer interest across multiple buying seasons. Launching the Pro models alongside the foldable iPhone in September creates a halo effect, while the spring 2027 launch of the standard models captures early adopters looking for value. This approach also gives Apple more runway to refine software features and ensure supply meets demand.
Building Toward a New Era
As Apple gears up for trial production in February, the iPhone 18 series represents both an evolution and a pivot. The company is balancing innovation with practicality—pushing boundaries in the Pro line while making thoughtful upgrades to its mainstream offerings. With TSMC’s 2nm chips, in-house modems, and potential design breakthroughs on the horizon, the iPhone 18 generation could mark the start of Apple’s most ambitious hardware chapter yet.
For now, all eyes are on late February, when the first trial units roll off the line—and the countdown to 2026’s dual iPhone launches truly begins.
