23 Daily — According to theverge.com, renowned leaker Digital Chat Station revealed on November 3, 2026, that Apple's upcoming base model iPhone 18 will feature a larger battery and a new 2-nanometer A20 chip. However, it will not have the smaller Dynamic Island design found on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. The base iPhone 18 is expected to be priced higher than the current iPhone 17 and is likely to launch in early next year.

Hardware Upgrades and Price Increase of Base iPhone 18

Digital Chat Station's leak highlights two key hardware upgrades for the base iPhone 18: a larger battery and the latest 2-nanometer A20 chip. The Dynamic Island feature will remain exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models, while the base model keeps a larger notch design. Apple raised prices by

00 in September for older models, including the iPhone 17, and the iPhone 18 base model is expected to see an additional price increase, though the exact amount is unspecified.

Last year, Google and Samsung also raised flagship phone prices due to shortages of RAM and other components, reflecting global supply chain pressures. Despite higher prices, Apple recently reported record-breaking iPhone sales.

Release Timeline and Simultaneous Launch of Other New Models

The base iPhone 18 was not featured in Apple's fall launch event, but leaks suggest it will arrive alongside the second-generation iPhone Air and a model named iPhone 18e in early 2027. This aligns with previous reports indicating Apple plans to expand its market offerings in the new year with multiple devices.

Editor's take: Implications of iPhone 18's Upgrades and Pricing Strategy

The iPhone 18 base model's significant upgrades in battery capacity and use of the cutting-edge 2-nanometer A20 chip demonstrate Apple's commitment to hardware performance. The pricing adjustments reflect ongoing cost pressures in global component markets and continue the trend of rising smartphone prices.

For entrepreneurs, Apple's strategy highlights the importance of high-spec chip production and materials supply chains. Validating this trend involves monitoring competitor pricing, component market dynamics, and consumer price sensitivity to assess market acceptance and emerging business opportunities.