[DigitalToday reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] Apple's iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e, which have been mentioned as potential early 2027 releases, may come with configurations that are more similar than before, including battery capacity and screen size.

According to IT outlet NineToFiveMac on Nov. 9, recently leaked information suggested the two models could share a significant portion of key hardware under a cost-cutting drive.

The devices discussed this time were three models: iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2. Interest focused on iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e, a relatively lower-priced lineup. That was because claims emerged that leaked images had been confirmed through multiple verified sources, making the shared specifications of the two products clearer.

According to information circulated so far, both iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e may come with a 4,430 mAh battery. Using the same battery standard in both models could be advantageous in parts costs and production efficiency.

The display may also be aligned in the same direction. The information included that both models could adopt a 6.3-inch screen. In particular, if the iPhone 18e grows to 6.3 inches, changes in the exterior could also follow. It has been suggested that it could move to the Dynamic Island rather than keeping the notch design as before. The outlet noted that "Apple has never made a 6.3-inch display with a notch."

Some differentiation between the two models is expected to remain in cameras. The main camera on the iPhone 18 is said to shrink slightly in size but keep 48 megapixels. By contrast, the ultrawide camera may continue to be included only in the iPhone 18 and be left out of the iPhone 18e. The approach is to keep experiential specifications such as battery and screen similar while leaving a distinction between the higher model and the entry-level model through the camera setup.

The need to cut costs has been cited as the background for these changes. Last year, as the burden of memory supply and demand centered on artificial intelligence (AI) began to grow, there were observations that Apple planned to apply the same manufacturing process to lower costs for the relatively cheaper iPhone 18 model. Expectations then continued that the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e could become more similar than in previous years, and this leaked information appears to support that again.

Expectations around performance and power efficiency were also raised. NineToFiveMac said that putting the same battery in two devices was likely a cost-cutting measure, but would be welcome news for users, and that combining a larger battery with improved efficiency in the A20 could feel like an upgrade. However, the leak did not include detailed specifications for the A20 or actual performance figures.

A possible change can also be read into Apple's strategy for lower-priced or entry-level iPhones. If the iPhone 18e narrows the gap with the higher standard model in battery and screen, the basis for purchase decisions could shift to cameras and detailed features. Also, if an early 2027 lineup that includes the iPhone Air 2 becomes reality, Apple could split choices by price band more finely within the same period.

Still, this information is leak-based and not an official announcement. Actual product names, detailed specifications and the release timing could change depending on Apple's final decisions. The key point confirmed so far is that the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e could become closer than before in basic hardware such as the battery and display.