Apple is not waiting until September to make noise around its next generation of iPhones. The rumour mill is already churning, and if the early chatter is anything to go by, the iPhone 18 Pro could bring some genuinely exciting upgrades worth waiting for. And right up front, there may be a new colour that ditches the flashy impact of the iPhone 17 Pro’s Cosmic Orange in favour of a richer, darker Cherry tone.
According to information from Macworld, which cites a source familiar with Apple’s supply chain, the iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to introduce a new signature colour called Dark Cherry. This deep, wine-like hue is likely to be the standout finish for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, replacing last year’s vibrant Cosmic Orange. Despite earlier reports hinting at a “Dark Red” option, Dark Cherry is said to be more subdued and sophisticated.
In addition to Dark Cherry, Apple is reportedly experimenting with other colour options for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. These include Light Blue, reminiscent of the current Mist Blue on the base iPhone 17, as well as a darker shade of grey. A silver variant, similar to the current generation, is also in development. However, since the iPhone 18 Pro has not yet entered mass production, these colour options could still change.
As for what to expect in terms of design, sources suggest the iPhone 18 Pro models will closely resemble their predecessors, with only minor refinements. Notably, the Dynamic Island is expected to be smaller, offering more usable screen space when it is not showing Live Activities. There could also be a slight reduction in the gap between the rear glass cutout and the camera bump, although this change has not been fully confirmed.
The A20 Pro chip could be a big deal
On the inside, Apple appears to be making a serious move. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to run on the A20 Pro chip, Apple’s first built on TSMC’s 2nm process, paired with Apple’s new C2 modem, for stronger 5G connectivity and improved battery efficiency. Under the hood, the phone will come with a bigger battery on the Pro Max, reportedly around 5,200mAh.
Cameras are getting smarter
Like every year with new-generation iPhones, Apple is also expected to push its camera capabilities further. The big rumour this time is a variable aperture on the main 48MP camera, potentially on both Pro models, though more likely to debut on the Pro Max first.
This would allow users to control how much light enters the sensor, opening up more creative flexibility, especially in bright conditions. A 24MP front camera upgrade is also on the cards.
The launch timeline
The foldable iPhone, tipped to be called the iPhone Ultra, is also expected to debut alongside the Pro models in September 2026. As for the standard iPhone 18, that appears to be a 2027 story. Apple is reportedly pushing the base model and the iPhone 18e to spring 2027.
