iPhone 18 Pro Rumors Point to 12 Major Changes

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to launch in two months, with Apple reportedly planning a September unveiling alongside a foldable “iPhone Ultra.” The Pro models are expected to retain the general design of the iPhone 17 Pro lineup while introducing changes to their displays, cameras, connectivity and internal hardware.

Display, camera and design changes

The rumored features for the iPhone 18 Pro models include:

• Smaller Dynamic Island: Face ID’s flood illuminator could move under the display, reducing the Dynamic Island’s size.
• LTPO+ displays: The phones are expected to retain 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch screen sizes, but may use LTPO+ technology for longer battery life.
• Variable aperture: The main 48-megapixel Fusion camera could let users control how much light reaches the sensor, providing more control over depth of field. The benefit may be limited by the smaller image sensors used in smartphones.
• Simplified Camera Control: Apple may remove touch sensitivity and haptic feedback, leaving the button with pressure sensitivity.
• Redesigned rear Ceramic Shield: The MagSafe area could have a more frosted, seamless appearance instead of the current two-tone design.
• Dark Cherry finish: The expected color lineup includes Dark Cherry, Light Blue, Dark Gray and Silver. Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue may be discontinued.

A20 Pro, C2 modem and satellite connectivity

Apple’s A20 Pro chip is expected to use TSMC’s first-generation 2nm process, replacing the A19 Pro’s 3nm process. A new packaging design could improve performance and power efficiency year over year.

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The iPhone 18 Pro models are also expected to use Apple’s third-generation C2 modem, following the C1 in the iPhone 16e and the C1X in the iPhone Air. The C2 could enable 5G via satellite, allowing web browsing without Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity.

A next-generation N2 chip is expected to replace the N1 used in most iPhone 17 models and the iPhone Air. The N1 supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread, while also improving Personal Hotspot and AirDrop performance and reliability. Apple has not disclosed what the N2 will add.

Battery, size and release timing

According to alleged Chinese regulatory database filings, the iPhone 18 Pro Max could have a battery nearly 10% larger than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. It may also be thicker than both the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the iPhone 18 Pro.

Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and foldable iPhone Ultra in the first half of September, followed by releases in the second half of the month. The regular iPhone 18, a lower-end iPhone 18e and a second-generation iPhone Air are reportedly planned for around March 2027.