{"id":62136,"date":"2025-12-22T18:42:07","date_gmt":"2025-12-22T17:42:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.apfelpatient.de\/?p=62136"},"modified":"2025-12-22T18:43:40","modified_gmt":"2025-12-22T17:43:40","slug":"iphone-18-test-production-is-scheduled-to-start-as-early-as-february","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.apfelpatient.de\/en\/rumors\/iphone-18-testproduktion-soll-bereits-im-februar-starten","title":{"rendered":"iPhone 18: Test production is expected to start as early as February"},"content":{"rendered":"

Around the iPhone 18, evidence is mounting that Apple is starting preparations for the next iPhone generation significantly earlier than usual. A new report from China provides concrete information about the start of test production, the planned release window, and the technical highlights of the upcoming models. This also sheds more light on Apple's long-term product strategy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Weibo leaker Fixed Focus Digital, Apple is preparing<\/a> to begin test production of the iPhone 18 in February. The launch is expected to take place immediately after the Chinese New Year, which traditionally leads to extended factory shutdowns that usually last until the end of February.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once production facilities are back to normal, Apple plans to begin small-scale manufacturing. Such test production serves to verify production processes, fine-tune components, and identify potential weaknesses early on. The timing suggests that Apple is satisfied with the current state of development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Production lines for iPhone 18 Pro already set up<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

According to the leaker, the production lines for the iPhone 18 Pro models are already set up. This suggests that the hardware design of these devices is largely finalized. Changes to fundamental components or the casing are rather unlikely at this stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, the external design changes are expected to be less significant than some previous rumors suggested. Apple seems to be focusing on continuity with the iPhone 18 Pro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The design remains close to the iPhone 17 Pro<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Several reports suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro models will retain the same basic design as the iPhone 17 Pro series. This includes the continued triple-camera system on the back, housed in a redesigned camera platform that was reportedly introduced with the previous generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A completely new look or a radical change in shape is not currently expected for the iPhone 18 Pro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New, split launch cycle at Apple<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The report also aligns with indications of a fundamental change in the iPhone release plan. Apple is expected to adopt a split launch cycle in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to reports, the iPhone 18 Pro models are scheduled to be unveiled as early as September 2026. Apple's first foldable iPhone is also expected to launch at the same time. The standard iPhone 18 and the iPhone 18e, however, are expected to follow later and be released together in spring 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This approach would allow Apple to spread its attention over a longer period and make production planning more flexible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expected technology in the standard iPhone 18<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Several technical details about the regular iPhone 18 are already circulating. Apple is expected to use a simplified camera control button on this model. This button will reportedly do without a capacitive sensor to save costs. However, pressure sensitivity will remain, enabling all familiar button functions. Furthermore, the standard iPhone 18 is expected to receive a significant performance boost. The following are rumored:<\/p>\n\n\n\n