Apple has accelerated its preparations for the iPhone 18 series, which is expected to be released in 2026, much earlier than anticipated. According to data from supply chain sources in Asia, the tech giant has officially begun testing the new models on its production lines.

The iPhone 18 is coming soon

This early move ensures that machine calibrations and quality control stages before mass production are completed at the very beginning of the year. Apple aims to move the production schedule to before the Chinese New Year, which begins on February 17, 2026, in order to begin mass production.

This strategy aims to prevent delays that typically occur in years with major design changes and to create a more solid foundation for product supply.

Behind this acceleration in the iPhone 18 series lies the expectation that the device will come with a more settled and stable design language. Prototype leaks indicate that Apple is working on under-display Face ID technology and a new front camera hole located in the upper left corner for the iPhone 18 Pro models.

On the technical side, the A20 Pro chip, manufactured using TSMC’s 2-nanometer process, stands out as the most notable hardware update in the series. This new processor architecture integrates memory directly onto the processor, increasing speed in AI operations while also optimizing battery life.

Furthermore, the variable aperture technology expected to be used in the main camera aims to take the photography experience to another level by offering professional-level light control and depth perception.

In terms of model strategy, there are signals of a radical change. It is rumored that Apple will split its launch schedule in 2026 into two parts, releasing high-end models in the fall and entry-level models in the spring of 2027.