iPhone 18/18 Pro Design: Three Models, Similar Designs
Currently, rumors suggest that Apple will release three main models: a base iPhone 18, an iPhone 18 Pro, and an iPhone 18 Pro Max. In addition, there may be other models outside the iPhone 18 line, such as the rumored folding iPhone and a second-generation iPhone Air.
The design of the iPhone 18 series is expected to closely resemble the current iPhone 17 lineup. The base iPhone 18 will feature the smaller camera bump seen on the iPhone 17, while the Pro and Pro Max models will have a wider, raised “plateau” with three cameras. Screen sizes are likely to remain consistent, with displays around 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches corresponding to the current models.
One possible design change reported by a Weibo leaker involves the charging area on the back of the iPhone 18 Pro models. Allegedly, the ceramic shield section will be “slightly transparent,” though the exact implications of this change are not yet clear.
iPhone 18/18 Pro Camera: Aperture Upgrades
Apple recently upgraded the iPhone 17 camera system with 48MP sensors, so significant hardware changes for the iPhone 18 cameras are unlikely. However, a notable rumor from leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo claims that only the iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a camera with a mechanically adjustable aperture similar to DSLR cameras.
This innovation would allow users greater control over background blur, improving the ability to keep both the foreground and background sharply in focus. Additionally, the telephoto lenses on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to have larger overall apertures, which would enable sharper low-light photography.
iPhone 18/18 Pro: Dynamic Island Updates
Since its debut on the iPhone 14 Pro, the Dynamic Island’s size and shape have remained unchanged. Some reports suggest changes could be coming to the iPhone 18’s camera cutout, potentially shifting to a pinhole design with the Face ID system placed under the display. However, most sources indicate that such changes are more likely reserved for the folding iPhone or Apple’s upcoming 20th anniversary model.
The well-known Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman has reported that Apple plans to “shrink” the Dynamic Island on iPhone 18 models. This likely means that some of the Face ID sensors and emitters will be embedded under the display or integrated more compactly, resulting in a smaller camera cutout area.
iPhone 18/18 Pro Specs: A20 Chip
The iPhone 18 lineup will feature Apple’s new A20 processor, which is rumored to be manufactured using TSMC’s advanced 2nm fabrication process. This new process allows more complex chips in the same physical space and potentially offers significant power efficiency improvements.
The A20 chip is also expected to utilize Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) packaging to integrate RAM directly into the SoC’s package. While the exact benefits remain uncertain, this tighter integration could lead to increased memory bandwidth, lower RAM latency, and/or enhanced power efficiency.
iPhone 18/18 Pro: Wireless Connectivity
While the iPhone Air currently uses an advanced version of Apple’s C1 modem called the C1X, the other iPhone 17 models still rely on Qualcomm modems. For the iPhone 18, reports suggest Apple will introduce a new C2 modem across all models, including the Pro and Pro Max.
Although specific features of the C2 modem are not yet disclosed, it’s expected to deliver better performance, improved energy efficiency, and support for high-speed mmWave networks in addition to standard sub-6 GHz bands.
Apple’s local networking chip, the N1, which supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread networking, debuted in the iPhone 17 line. There have been no reports of an N2 chip in development, and an upgrade may not be necessary so soon. However, similar to the C1X’s surprise launch, Apple could potentially release an enhanced “N1X” variant.
Additionally, a report from The Information indicates Apple is preparing its devices to support 5G networks broadcast from satellites, such as Starlink, opening new connectivity possibilities.
Release Schedule and Pricing Changes
There are persistent reports that Apple plans to alter its traditional iPhone release schedule starting in September 2026. That year, Apple is expected to release only high-end models: the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, the new folding iPhone, and potentially an updated iPhone Air. The base iPhone 18 is rumored to be delayed until spring 2027, launching alongside the rumored iPhone 18e.
This represents a significant shift for Apple, as all new iPhones released in late 2026 will have starting prices of $999 or higher.
Currently, the iPhone 17 starts at $799, and the iPhone Air is priced at $999. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to maintain their starting prices at $1,099 and $1,199, respectively.
However, the introduction of the folding iPhone could drastically alter the overall pricing landscape, with a rumored starting price of $1,999 or more.
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Stay tuned for more updates as official announcements and additional leaks reveal further details about the iPhone 18 series.
https://www.macworld.com/article/2953687/iphone-18-pro-2026-release-date-design-specs-rumors.html
