When Are the iPhone 18, iPhone Air 2 and iPhone 18E Coming Out?

When Apple introduces new iPhone models in the fall, there’s always a lag between ordering and receiving the new phones as the company works through millions of orders. This year’s Apple event added a new complication: While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are currently shipping, the iPhone Duo has been announced but is not yet open for preorders. And in a break from the past, the standard iPhone 18 and a possible iPhone 18E remain just rumors.

If you’re planning to replace your iPhone this season, you’re probably curious to know when you can actually get your hands on one of the new devices. 

When are the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro available to buy?

According to Apple’s website, you can “get ready” to preorder the Duo on Oct. 12, with the official preorder window opening on Oct. 16. If you want to be able to walk into a store and grab one for yourself, the iPhone Duo will be available on Oct. 23. Apple’s new foray into the foldable world has certainly got a lot of attention, and from our hands-on with the device, it seems to have been worth the wait.

The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max were officially released on Sept. 18, though you might run into some backorder issues due to the popularity of the new phones. According to Apple’s online store, you can pick up models in-store or wait approximately three weeks to have it delivered (both of those depending on location and configuration).

As for the standard iPhone 18 and the iPhone Air 2, rumors have pointed to a delayed release, as they were nowhere in sight during the announcement event last month. The shift may be a strategic one to a biannual cadence for Apple, with fall and spring launch dates. This isn’t unlike how Samsung launches its flagship Galaxy lineup at the beginning of the year, with its foldable lineup debuting in the middle of the year. 

“The base iPhone 18 model announcements are expected to be pushed into spring 2027. This staggered launch marks a notable change in Apple’s release cadence, with a strong emphasis on premiumization,” said David Naranjo, associate director of Counterpoint Research.

Whether this potential delayed release is related to manufacturing restrictions, RAM shortages or just prioritizing its best hardware first remains to be seen, but if the rumors are true, those looking for an entry-level iPhone may need to wait until next year. 

This is also a smart move on Apple’s part, as those who might have been looking for a non-pro iPhone may just end up buying the higher-end models instead of waiting. The timing would all coincide with Apple’s E series launch.

Where’s the iPhone 18E?

The iPhone E series has typically been released the following spring after the more powerful models, so there don’t seem to be any surprises here. The budget-focused (for Apple) device will likely be a pared-down version of the regular iPhone called the iPhone 18E, providing essential features from the current generation without many of the bells and whistles. 

The iPhone 17E, which launched at a $599 price, hits a sweet spot for functionality and affordability, even though it’s now priced at $699. However, it remains to be seen whether the iPhone 18E, too, will see the price jump that we’ve seen with this current generation of iPhones. 

The 17E was announced in March 2025 and was available in stores the following week. If history repeats itself, we may see the iPhone 18E land in early to mid-March of 2027 — hopefully alongside the debut of the standard iPhone 18.

Blake has over a decade of experience writing for the web, with a focus on mobile phones, where he covered the smartphone boom of the 2010s and the broader tech scene. When he’s not in front of a keyboard, you’ll most likely find him playing video games or watching horror movies. See full bio