Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September 2026, and early leaks already point to major upgrades.
Reports from analysts like Ross Young and Ming-Chi Kuo and sources like The Information suggest Apple is preparing bold design, performance, and photography changes that could make the 18 Pro lineup stand out.
While these details remain unconfirmed as of September 2025, the buzz highlights Apple’s next big step in smartphone innovation.
Smaller Dynamic Island and under-screen Face ID
One of the most talked-about rumours is Apple’s plan to shrink the Dynamic Island. Display analyst Ross Young initially predicted that under-display Face ID would arrive with the iPhone 17 Pro, but later revised his timeline to 2026. If correct, the iPhone 18 Pro could debut the feature, leaving only a small cutout for the front camera.
However, leaks from Instant Digital suggest that the under-screen Face ID may be delayed further, keeping the Dynamic Island for now but in a smaller form.
The Information also backs the under-display prediction, so expectations are high that Apple will at least take a step toward a more seamless display on the 18 Pro series.
Variable aperture camera for more control
On the camera side, reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says both iPhone 18 Pro models will introduce a variable aperture system for the primary 48-megapixel Fusion camera. Unlike the fixed ƒ/1.78 aperture on the iPhone 14 Pro through 17 Pro, the new feature would let users adjust how much light enters the lens, offering better control over depth of field and exposure.
For everyday users, this could mean sharper portraits with natural background blur or improved performance in tricky lighting conditions. While the smaller sensors in iPhones limit how dramatic the effect might be compared to DSLRs, it’s still a noteworthy upgrade for mobile photography.
Other leaks add that the iPhone 18 Pro will keep its familiar triple-lens “plateau” design introduced in earlier models but may debut a slightly transparent Ceramic Shield finish for a fresh look.
A stainless steel vapour chamber cooling system is also rumoured, potentially helping with performance during heavy use like gaming or video editing.
A20 Pro chip and Apple’s C2 modem
Performance is another area where Apple is set to raise the bar. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to ship with the A20 Pro chip, manufactured using TSMC’s advanced 2nm process. This would mark a significant leap from the A19 Pro in the iPhone 17 Pro, promising better speed, efficiency, and battery management.
Alongside the new processor, Apple is rumoured to replace Qualcomm modems with its in-house C2 modem, offering faster 5G speeds, greater efficiency, and mmWave support for U.S. users.
This shift underlines Apple’s strategy of reducing reliance on third-party components while tightening control over its hardware ecosystem.
With its rumoured upgrades, smaller Dynamic Island, under-screen Face ID, variable aperture camera, A20 Pro chip, and new C2 modem, the iPhone 18 Pro lineup could be one of Apple’s most exciting releases yet. While some details may still change before launch, these early leaks suggest Apple is determined to push the limits of design and performance. For those who skipped the iPhone 17 Pro, waiting until 2026 might be worth it.