Apple presented the new iPhone 18 series on September 9, but without a base model. Do we really need that standard variant as well?
Those looking to purchase the new iPhone 18 today will immediately have to jump to the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max. During the announcement, new Apple CEO John Ternus introduced the iPhone 18 series without a base model. This is striking, as all previous series did include a standard variant. Why did Apple choose not to offer a base model this time, and do we really mind?
No standard version
Every new Apple launch typically includes a standard variant like the iPhone 17 and iPhone 16. It is notable that Apple is now departing from that pattern and jumping straight to the Pro version with the launch of the iPhone 18. The Pro has a starting price of 1,479 euros incl. VAT. The larger variant, Pro Max, comes to 1,629 euros incl. VAT. They fall into the expensive segment but also promise strong performance.
We are still waiting for the base model, though there is no clarity yet on if or when it will arrive. During the keynote, not a word was mentioned about a base model. Is the iPhone 18 not ready yet, or is there a sales trick behind it?
No great loss?
Standard iPhones are often very similar to the standard version of a previous series. The main difference is usually the software, not the hardware. The iPhone 17 was priced at 969 euros incl. VAT at launch. That model already proved to be powerful, featuring a 120 Hz screen for the first time and years of updates.
One might wonder if it is even necessary to launch a new base model if it would be virtually a copy of the previous series. For a new model, you easily pay 100 to 200 euros more. Furthermore, the launch of a new model is often accompanied by a price drop for the previous model. Meanwhile, you can already find the iPhone 17 at a lower price.
Foldable phone
In addition to the striking choice to omit a standard iPhone, Apple is focusing on a foldable model. With the iPhone Duo, Apple did not reinvent the wheel. The brand is entering the foldable market for the first time, which has already existed for seven years. Brands like Motorola and Samsung have been active here for much longer. Nevertheless, Apple manages to position itself alongside its competitors with a powerful device.
Recently, Samsung also delivered an excellent device in the foldable market with the Galaxy Z Fold 8. The smartphone has the same passport format as the iPhone Duo and managed to impress us on many points. The only pain point there is the cameras. Given the budget of 1,999 euros incl. VAT, you should expect more.
Extra points for the camera
The iPhone Duo has two cameras at the back: a 48-megapixel Fusion main camera with 2x telephoto via sensor crop and the same 48-megapixel ultra-wide angle with macro as the iPhone 18 Pro, although both the variable aperture and a true telephoto lens are missing. The real added value lies in the folding capability with various functions such as Duo Preview, Smart Take, and Duo FaceTime.
Naturally, you pay a price for this performance. The iPhone Duo starts in Europe from 2,339 euros for 256 GB. That is over 340 euros more than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, which costs 1,999 euros incl. VAT. While the price tag may be the deciding factor, it is important to note that Samsung devices drop in price faster for a new device compared to Apple.
Waiting for iPhone 19?
So, anyone wishing to purchase one of the launched Apple devices, the iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone Duo, will have to open their wallet wide. Normally, the standard variant offers an affordable alternative, but we don’t find that in this series.
If you still want a standard iPhone, it is worth opting for the iPhone 17 today instead of waiting for a potential 18. After all, we aren’t waiting for an iPhone 18 that is 150 euros more expensive but does the same thing, are we? Another option is to look forward to the iPhone 19 next year, which will likely offer more innovations.
Why pay 150 euros more for an iPhone 18 when the iPhone 17 offers the same qualities?