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Apple is reportedly accelerating prep work for its 2026 flagship lineup. Tipsters claim production lines for the iPhone 18 family are already in testing, with mass manufacturing potentially kicking off well ahead of the Lunar New Year.
Production lines entering testing ahead of Lunar New Year
According to posts on Weibo from a tipster known as Fixed-focus digital cameras, Apple has begun testing assembly lines for next year’s premium iPhones. Another leaker, Smart Pikachu, previously suggested the company is trialing in‑screen Face ID and punch‑hole front cameras — a notable shift from Apple’s recent notch designs. The new rumor pins mass production to a window before the Lunar New Year, which falls on February 17, 2026, giving Apple a head start on the typical fall launch cycle.
Small exterior tweaks, bigger internal moves
Insiders say the iPhone 18 series won’t mark a radical visual overhaul after the major changes introduced with the iPhone 17. Expect iterative updates: modest styling adjustments, whispers of a slightly transparent rear finish and the potential abandonment of the two‑tone color scheme. The headline hardware experiments — like under‑display Face ID and a punch‑hole selfie camera — could be the most visible upgrades for users.
Which models will Apple ship in 2026?
Rumors suggest Apple may slim its flagship roster from four to three high‑end phones. Reports point to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max as staples, while an upgraded iPhone Fold could join as a premium option. Curiously, some chatter indicates the entry model might be rebranded as the iPhone 20 and shipped earlier than the rest — though that naming theory remains speculative.
Chips, parts and supply-chain strategy
Even if production lines are being readied now, not every part is expected to be on the assembly line immediately. Apple’s next CPUs — the A20 and A20 Pro — are rumored to enter mass production in the second half of 2026. Still, having the bulk of components prepped early shortens lead times and earns Apple better pricing by ordering in volume.
One possible factor pushing Apple to move swiftly: expiring DRAM contracts. If deals with suppliers like Samsung and SK hynix are nearing renewal, locking in larger DRAM volumes at competitive prices before renegotiation could explain the company’s early rush.
Why this matters for buyers and the market
Early testing and component procurement give Apple flexibility — whether that means a smoother ramp to mass production, improved margins from bulk discounts, or room to prioritize higher‑volume SKUs. For consumers, the practical takeaway is that Apple is trying to avoid last‑minute supply hiccups that can delay availability or inflate prices.
Rumors should always be taken with caution, especially months before official announcements. Still, the earliest signs point to a careful, efficiency‑driven build-up toward Apple’s 2026 flagship cycle — and possibly a few surprise moves in design and lineup strategy.
Source: wccftech
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