iPhone 18 Series Mass Production Tests Will Begin Very Soon

The iPhone 17 series is Apple's latest offering to the smartphone world. While these devices are still fresh and proving their capabilities in the market, the brand is already moving on to the next generation. The company has a tight schedule until February, and needs to make sure all its upcoming iPhones will be ready for the market after launch. According to a new report from China, Apple will begin testing the iPhone 18 series devices on the mass production line "one after another" in the early days of January.

The actual production is set to start right before the Chinese New Year, which happens on February 17, 2026. The iPhone 18 Pro mass production has allegedly already been set up, and the same source says the phone itself won't feature exterior changes as big as everyone is thinking.

While we don't know exactly why Apple is planning to start production of its iPhone 18 devices so early in 2026, the presumptive plan is still to launch them in September. Since there is no valid way to determine why the manufacturing is happening in January, we may need to digest the news with a pinch of salt. Of course, the brand will begin manufacturing some months ahead of the launch, but it's strange to see it happening in the first month of 2026.

The iPhone 18 series shouldn't bring major changes in its lineup. While we don't know if the iPhone Air 2 is still ensured, the standard iPhone 18, 18 Pro, and 18 Pro Max are coming next year. The rumors also point to Apple's entrance in the market of foldable devices in 2026. The rumored iPhone Fold will feature a book-style design, with an under-screen camera, and a compact build. Apple's entrance in this segment is expected to revitalize this particular market. How this device will walk side by side with the iPhone 18 series, we will have to wait and see. 

It's a bit soon to set things in stone when it comes to the iPhone 18 series. We expect more leaks to emerge in the coming months. There is still a long ahead until the September 2026's reveal.