The most powerful Apple phone! Top 10 highlights of the iPhone 18 Pro series

The development roadmap for the iPhone has been planned for the next few years. Apple has always been working with suppliers to advance the development of multiple iPhones in tandem. This is an important reason why we can often learn about the details of new phones months before their release. The iPhone 18 series is no exception, and some details about the iPhone 18 series have been leaked in advance.

According to media reports, Apple plans to make a major adjustment to the iPhone release cycle next year, adopting a two-stage strategy. Specifically, the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Fold will be released in September 2026, followed by the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e in the spring of 2027. Below are the leaked details of the iPhone 18 Pro series.

1. The overall design continues the style of the iPhone 17 Pro.

The iPhone 18 Pro series largely retains the design architecture of the iPhone 17 Pro. The rear camera module remains consistent with the current model, using a horizontal large matrix DECO with three lenses arranged in a triangle. The screen size is expected to remain unchanged, with the iPhone 18 Pro continuing to feature a 6.3-inch screen and the iPhone 18 Pro Max featuring a 6.9-inch screen.

The iPhone 18 Pro series may adopt a more integrated visual effect. Apple has updated the back cover glass process to minimize the color difference between the glass and the aluminum alloy frame, making the overall appearance more harmonious.

2. Increased body thickness: to accommodate a larger battery.

The leak suggests that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be slightly thicker than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and its weight will increase to about 243 grams. This would make next year’s iPhone 18 Pro Max about 3 grams heavier than the current heaviest Apple model, the iPhone 14 Pro Max (about 240 grams). The specific reason for the increased thickness is currently unclear, but it is most likely to accommodate a larger capacity battery.

3. Shrinking of the Dyna Island

Leaks suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro’s display island will be smaller, but under-display Face ID and under-display camera technology will not be unveiled next year. Overall, the industry consensus is that Apple may first optimize the display island before transitioning to a full-screen design in future models.

4. A20 Pro chip: 2nm process

The iPhone 18 Pro series will be powered by Apple’s A20 Pro chip, built on TSMC’s 2nm process to achieve both performance and energy efficiency improvements. This chip will utilize TSMC’s Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) packaging technology, which integrates memory, CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine on the same wafer. This helps improve overall task processing speed and the efficiency of Apple’s AI, while also extending battery life.

5. C2 Modem: Replaces Qualcomm, supports millimeter wave

Supply chain analyst Jeff Pu revealed that Apple plans to include the next-generation C2 modem in the iPhone 18 Pro series. The C2 is expected to bring faster network speeds, better energy efficiency, and will support 5G millimeter wave in the US market. Apple’s modem development roadmap is part of its long-term strategy, with the core goal of reducing its dependence on Qualcomm.

6. Imaging: Samsung supplies image sensors

Samsung is developing a new three-layer stacked image sensor called PD-TR-Logic, designed specifically for the iPhone 18 series. This sensor integrates three layers of circuitry and is expected to improve camera response speed, reduce noise, and expand dynamic range.

7. Variable aperture

Reports indicate that Apple plans to equip next year’s iPhone 18 Pro series with a variable aperture, which would be a first for the iPhone series.

8. 5G Satellite Internet

According to The Information, Apple plans to bring satellite 5G networks to iPhones as early as next year. These networks rely on satellites rather than terrestrial base stations, enabling iPhones to achieve full internet connectivity via satellite.

9. Simplify camera control buttons

Rumors suggest that Apple is simplifying the camera control button design for the iPhone 18 series to reduce costs. The leak claims that Apple will remove the capacitive sensing layer from the second-generation camera control button, retaining only the pressure sensing function. This simplification is not intended to reduce functionality, but rather to reduce costs, as the current solution is reportedly too expensive for Apple, and after-sales repair costs are also quite high.

10. New Color Schemes: Three color schemes are being tested.

Rumors suggest that Apple is testing three new colors for the iPhone 18 Pro series: coffee, purple, and burgundy. Burgundy is the first red color to be introduced for the Pro and Pro Max models. Apple will choose one of these three colors to mass-produce and release, replacing the Starry Orange color of the iPhone 17 Pro series.