iPhone 18 Pro.
Apple's 2026 iPhone launch will look different from previous years. The standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are reportedly being pushed to 2027, which means September's lineup will consist of just the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the new foldable iPhone Fold. For most buyers on Apple's annual upgrade cycle, the Pro models are the only choice this year. Here is what the leaks and rumours suggest so far.
A Design Refresh, Not a Redesign
The iPhone 18 Pro is not expected to receive a major design overhaul. The overall form factor stays largely the same as the iPhone 17 Pro, with a triple-lens rear camera island. One visible change involves the finish. The two-tone look on current Pro models, where the glass and aluminium frame show a noticeable colour difference, is reportedly being toned down in favour of a more unified appearance. The MagSafe charging area on the back may also feature a slightly transparent finish, though the specifics remain unclear.
On colour, Dark Cherry, described as closer to wine or dark purple-red than a bright red, is expected to be the signature new colour for 2026. According to supply chain sources cited by Macworld, the four colours Apple is working with are Light Blue, Dark Cherry, Dark Gray, and Silver.
A Smaller Dynamic Island and a Better Display
The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to use an upgraded LTPO+ display panel from Samsung, which improves on the LTPO panel in the iPhone 17 Pro with better power efficiency while maintaining adaptive refresh rates between 1 Hz and 120 Hz.
The Dynamic Island is also set for a notable change. Leaker Ice Universe claims it will be approximately 35% narrower than the current version, measuring around 13.5 mm wide compared to 20.7 mm on the iPhone 17 Pro, with CAD renders leaked in May supporting a slimmed-down cutout. Under-display Face ID has been mentioned in the rumour mill, which would enable the reduction, though it is not confirmed as ready for this generation.
The Camera Gets Its Biggest Upgrade
The camera system is where the iPhone 18 Pro leaks get most interesting. The main camera may feature a variable aperture, allowing users to mechanically control how much light enters the sensor. This would give users direct control over depth of field and exposure, particularly useful in bright conditions.
At least one model may also use a new three-layer stacked image sensor developed by Samsung, which would improve responsiveness, reduce noise, and expand dynamic range. The telephoto lens is expected to get a larger aperture for better low-light performance, and Apple may also include a teleconverter element to extend the effective zoom reach. On the front, all iPhone 18 models except the 18e are rumoured to receive updated 24 MP front cameras.
The A20 Chip and C2 Modem
The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to be Apple's first phone with the A20 chip, built on TSMC's 2nm process. It should deliver up to 15% faster performance and 30% better efficiency compared to the A19. The A20 is also expected to use TSMC's Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module packaging, integrating RAM directly onto the same wafer as the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine, enabling faster data transfer and freeing up internal space for a larger battery.
On connectivity, the iPhone 18 Pro will use Apple's in-house C2 modem, adding mmWave 5G support that the C1 modem lacks, along with a new Limit Precise Location setting that prevents mobile networks from pinpointing a device's exact location. The C2 may also support 5G satellite connectivity for full internet access in areas without standard mobile coverage.
Battery and Pricing
The iPhone 18 Pro is rumoured to carry a 4,288 mAh battery in eSIM-only models, up from 4,252 mAh. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to see a more significant battery increase, and the combination of a larger cell and the more efficient A20 chip should extend battery life over the current generation.
On price, analysts including Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu expect Apple to hold pricing steady, with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max expected to carry the same starting prices as the iPhone 17 Pro lineup. Both models are set to launch in September 2026 alongside the iPhone Fold.
