If you are waiting for Apple’s next budget-friendly iPhone, you might need to adjust your timeline. According to the latest supply chain leaks, Apple is completely shaking up its release strategy for the iPhone 18 generation.
Instead of dropping every model in September 2026, the standard iPhone 18 and the entry-level iPhone 18e are reportedly being pushed to Spring 2027.
Here is a streamlined look at the most credible rumors circulating right now about the iPhone 18e, from unexpected memory bumps to what is staying exactly the same.
Rumored Specs
| Feature | Expected Upgrade / Status |
| Release Window | Spring 2027 (March/April) |
| Processor | Apple A20 Chip |
| Memory (RAM) | 9GB (Up from 8GB) |
| Display | 6.12-inch, sticking with 60Hz |
| Modem | Apple’s in-house C2 Modem |
9GB of RAM for Apple Intelligence
The most interesting hardware leak right now comes from reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. He reports that the iPhone 18e will feature 9GB of RAM—a highly unusual, uneven number for a smartphone.
Why 9GB instead of jumping straight to 12GB like the Pro models?
It all comes down to Apple Intelligence. As iOS 27 introduces heavier on-device AI workloads, 8GB of RAM is barely enough to keep the system running smoothly. By utilizing a unique configuration (six 1.5GB memory dies), Apple can give the 18e just enough memory to handle advanced Siri features without cannibalizing the premium appeal of the 12GB iPhone 18 Pro lineup.
Connectivity
Under the hood, the iPhone 18e is slated to receive the base A20 chip. While the Pro models will get the beefier A20 Pro variant, the standard A20 will still provide a massive leap in efficiency and battery management.
Additionally, 2027 might be the year Apple finally phases out Qualcomm in its budget tier. The 18e is heavily rumored to adopt Apple’s custom C2 modem, which will bring faster mmWave 5G connectivity to the more affordable model for the first time.
What is Not Changing: The Screen
If you were hoping for a buttery-smooth 120Hz display on the budget model, temper those expectations. Recent leaks from Chinese supply chain sources strongly suggest that the iPhone 18e will stick with a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
While the phone will likely retain the same 6.12-inch footprint and fully adopt the Dynamic Island, Apple is firmly reserving its ProMotion technology for the higher-end tiers to keep manufacturing costs down.
Pricing
Apple is currently facing rising memory and component costs across its entire supply chain. While the iPhone 18e is designed to be the entry-level option, analysts are warning that a price hike is very likely. With Macs and iPads already seeing recent price bumps, you should brace for the possibility that the iPhone 18e could break past its traditional pricing tier when it finally drops in early 2027.
