Apple's iPhone 17 continues strong sales performance, despite recent rumors suggesting the iPhone 18 launch has been moved to spring 2027. One Weibo leaker claims Apple delayed the standard model to capitalize on iPhone 17's popularity, calling it a "very clever market adjustment mechanism" to "wipe out Android." AppleInsider immediately dismisses this reasoning as incorrect and unfounded.

Split-release rumors actually predate iPhone 17's debut, with claims dating back to July 2025 from another leaker and supply chain sources. These reports suggested Pro models would launch as usual in fall 2026, while the standard iPhone 18 would arrive in early 2027. The timing indicates Apple considered this strategy before the RAM supply crisis became a concern, directly contradicting the recent rumor's premise.

Apple's potential split launch makes more sense through a manufacturing perspective, not market strategy. Premium models traditionally drive initial attention, so delaying standard production aligns with typical demand patterns. The leaker correctly notes Apple benefits from staggered releases but wrongly attributes the timing to iPhone 17's success rather than Apple's established production schedules and market analysis. The decision appears to be logistical, not strategic.