iPhone 18 Delayed Until 2027 Amid Component Shortages

Apple's plans for its basic iPhone 18 have been pushed back to 2027 due to ongoing memory shortages and a structural component shortage. This move is not entirely unexpected, given previous rumors about a delayed launch. However, the reasons behind the delay have shifted from allowing space for a foldable iPhone in September to addressing supply chain issues.

Pegatron, one of Apple's vendors, has confirmed the split launch plans. The company cited a semiconductor bottleneck and a shortage of components as the main causes for the delay. This is not just an issue affecting Apple; Pegatron predicts a shortage of 130 million smartphones on the market this cycle.

The shortage may impact consumers looking for affordable iPhone options, as Pegatron expects production to shift towards AI servers instead of consumer devices. Additionally, there are rumors that the headline iPhone 18 Pro lineup will see a substantial price increase.