iPhone 18 launch in 2027: Expected India price, features and major upgrades

Apple may have skipped the standard iPhone 18 at its September launch, but that does not mean the next-generation vanilla iPhone is just getting dumped. The Cupertino giant is said to be planning its launch in the spring of 2027. And while it may not get all the fancy upgrades reserved for the Pro models, there could still be plenty to look forward to, including a faster processor, more RAM, better battery life and a smoother display.iPhone 18 launch timeline: When is it coming?Apple reportedly has decided to change its traditional iPhone launch schedule. At its September 2026 event, the company already introduced the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and its first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo. Up next, the company is now planning to bring in the more affordable iPhones, including the iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e in early 2027. We are expecting the launch between February and April 2027, with March emerging as a likely window. Tipster Fixed Focus Digital has also claimed on Weibo that production of the standard iPhone 18 could begin towards the end of November 2026.So what can you expect with the iPhone 18? Well, as always Apple is all tight lipped but we are guessing some meaningful upgrades. iPhone 18 expected features and upgradesLet's start with the display. The iPhone 18 is expected to retain the 6.3-inch LTPO OLED panel seen on its predecessor, complete with a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate and 1.5K resolution. It could also get higher brightness and slightly slimmer bezels. While earlier leaks hinted at a smaller Dynamic Island, more recent reports suggest Apple may stick with the existing design.Under the hood, the biggest upgrade could be the A20 chipset built using TSMC's 2nm process. The processor upgrade could deliver better performance and up to 30 per cent higher power efficiency than the A19. That should also help with battery life. However, the standard iPhone 18 may get a slightly different version of the chip compared with the A20 Pro powering the flagship models. Memory is another area where Apple could make changes. The iPhone 17 comes with 8GB RAM, but the iPhone 18 could get either 9GB or 12GB. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has tipped 9GB, while Jeff Pu expects 12GB. More RAM could help with multitasking and demanding on-device Apple Intelligence features.For photography, Apple is expected to retain a dual rear-camera setup, featuring 48-megapixel primary and ultra-wide sensors. A leaked dummy unit also suggests a horizontal camera bar with vertically arranged lenses. The front camera, meanwhile, could get an 18-megapixel or 24-megapixel sensor, depending on which report proves accurate.Other expected changes include a redesigned Camera Control button, Apple's C2 modem, IP68 water and dust resistance and iOS 27. The software could bring a more capable Siri, reportedly developed using Google's Gemini technology, with better conversational abilities and the ability to complete tasks across apps.iPhone 18 expected India priceNow the main deal. How much will it cost? The iPhone 18 could start at around Rs 99,900 in India, although some reports suggest Apple may retain the iPhone 17's original launch price of Rs 79,900. The company is expected to offer 256GB and 512GB storage options, with no 1TB variant planned for the standard model.- Ends