Samsung Might Be the Reason Behind iPhone 18 Delay

Apple's September launch of the iPhone 18 did not include the standard model despite months of speculation. Reports initially suggested memory price increases and supply bottlenecks as reasons, but Japanese publication Semiconportal points to another potential cause: Apple may be granting Samsung additional time to manufacture sufficient camera sensors.

Samsung began prototyping high-performance image sensors for future iPhones in spring 2026 and planned mass production for fall. Semiconportal proposes waiting until early 2027 would allow Samsung to build up supply for the iPhone 18.

Apple has yet to confirm the standard iPhone 18's launch date or explain its omission from the September event. The publication expects Sony to remain a supplier, but the division of orders between Samsung and Sony remains unclear. Apple confirmed in August 2025 that it was collaborating with Samsung on chip manufacturing at its Austin plant under its American Manufacturing Program.

This program, alongside an $100 billion commitment to US investment, covered chips for Apple products, including iPhones, but did not specify the standard iPhone 18.

Apple's record September-quarter revenue of $114.5 billion, a 12% increase from the previous year, included record iPhone revenue. The inclusion of two suppliers could potentially provide Apple with more leverage on component prices, though rising memory and chip production costs make a lower iPhone 18 retail price unlikely.