Apple’s iPhone 18 lineup is months away, but leaks about the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are already circulating online. Rumours point to changes in design, camera hardware, and battery. Leaks also suggest that the Cupertino-based tech giant may introduce new colours and a transparent rear-panel finish.
Apart from this, the company is reportedly evaluating changes to Dynamic Island and internal components, including a new A-series chip, variable-aperture cameras, a larger battery, and enhanced connectivity. Here are the upgrades expected for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max: Expected launch date
Apple usually launches new iPhones in the fall, but reports indicate the iPhone 18 series may shift its timing. According to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple could split the launch of the iPhone 18 lineup.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, along with a possible foldable iPhone, may debut in September 2026, while the base iPhone 18 and other entry-level models could launch later between February and March 2027.
A staggered release could let Apple prioritise premium models in the fall and introduce more affordable versions later. Apple has previously launched devices like the iPhone 16E and iPhone 17E in spring, making this shift plausible.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max: Expected specs and features
One design change in discussion is a subtle, transparent rear-glass finish on the iPhone 18 Pro models. Leaks from Weibo suggest Apple may unify the rear panel’s appearance, moving away from the current two-tone design.
Pro models may offer coffee brown, burgundy, purple, and deep red colours. Only one of these, possibly deep red, could reach production, according to leaks and reports.
Design leaks suggest Apple will keep the screen sizes—6.3 inches for the Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max—with only small changes to the camera bump.
Rumours suggest Apple could reduce the Dynamic Island’s size if Face ID sensors move under the display, leaving only a small camera cutout.
According to The Information, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max may get under-display Face ID, shifting the front camera to the top-left and possibly dropping the current layout.
However, another leaker, Ice Universe, has said that the Dynamic Island may remain, but could be around 35% narrower than on the iPhone 17 Pro models. According to MacRumors, Apple may use a partial under-display Face ID system, which would still require a cutout.
Battery capacity may increase, with a Weibo post suggesting the iPhone 18 Pro could reach over 5,000 mAh. Models with physical SIM slots might have 5,000 mAh batteries, while eSIM-only models could reach about 5,200 mAh due to the extra space. This continues Apple’s focus on improving Pro model battery life.
The camera system may change as well. According to Macworld, citing Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the iPhone 18 Pro Max could feature a variable aperture camera. This system, like those in DSLR cameras, lets the lens control light intake more precisely.
The Information reports that at least one iPhone 18 Pro rear camera could feature a mechanical iris to better control depth and brightness.
Additionally, Macworld reports the telephoto camera on the Pro models could gain a faster aperture, allowing more light to reach the sensor in low-light scenarios. MacRumors reports that the iPhone 18 lineup, except for 18E, may feature a 24MP selfie camera.
Internally, Apple is expected to introduce a new A20 processor for the iPhone 18 series. According to industry reports, the chip may use a Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module design that integrates RAM with the CPU, GPU, and neural engine on a single wafer to improve efficiency. Analyst Jeff Pu, via MacRumors, also claimed that the iPhone 18 lineup could get 12GB of RAM.
Connectivity could improve as well. The Information reports Apple may enable satellite-based 5G, potentially broadening satellite communications beyond emergency messaging. The iPhone 18 models are also expected to include Apple’s next-generation C2 modem, which may improve wireless connectivity.
While these reports preview potential features, the iPhone 18 series is still months away. As development continues, the final designs may change.
