Apple’s decision to skip the base iPhone 18 entirely at its September 9, 2026 event has become the dominant driver of trader sentiment. Only the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and new foldable iPhone Duo were unveiled, with pre-orders and sales beginning shortly afterward; the standard model is now widely expected in spring 2027 alongside refreshed lower-cost variants. This shift reflects Apple’s move toward split annual releases—premium flagships in fall to maximize holiday visibility and average selling prices, with volume models following in Q1—to ease supply-chain pressure from advanced components like the A20 chip. No official confirmation has emerged on exact spring timing or feature changes, but historical patterns point to a March window.