Even though Apple’s next generation of flagship iPhones won’t be out for months, early leaks have already started to show what the corporation might be working on for 2026. Apple’s next high-end range is anticipated to be led by the incoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, and preliminary indications indicate that both models may bring some significant internal and design modifications. Details about the display, camera system, chipset, battery, and price plan have begun to surface online, while nothing has been formally confirmed. Right now, a potential revamp of the front display is receiving a lot of attention. Here are some rumored data about the future iPhones, including the battery, camera, display, design, launch schedule, and more.
iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max: Leaked camera, battery, price, design, launch details and more
Any modifications to the design?
The possible relocation of Face ID hardware beneath the screen is one of the major improvements under discussion. Apple may position the Face ID components behind the display on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, according to a rumor published in The Information. The well-known Dynamic Island cutout found on more recent iPhones may vanish from the front panel if this move is implemented. Alternatively, the front-facing camera can show up as a tiny hole close to the upper-left corner of the screen.
During regular use, the screen might appear cleaner and less cluttered with such a modification. Reports, however, also suggest that the phone’s general design language might not change from what Apple is anticipated to release with the iPhone 17 Pro family. This implies that even if the interior parts are altered, the body structure, materials, and camera positioning might not vary significantly.
Apple is probably going to stick with its triple camera configuration on the back, which is positioned on an elevated camera platform. There might be some minor design improvements, but the overall layout might stay the same. According to leaks, Apple might change the back glass’s surface or texture to make it mix in better with the aluminum frame. Additionally, it is reported that the corporation is testing additional colors for the Pro models. According to reports, shades including coffee-toned brown, burgundy, and deep purple are being examined internally.
Has the camera changed?
Another area where Apple is likely to try anything new is camera hardware. Adding a motorized iris to at least one back camera is one of the improvements being investigated. This would enable the camera to change its aperture based on the lighting. Because the current iPhone cameras have a fixed aperture, software processing is mostly responsible for controlling exposure. More versatility while taking pictures and movies could be provided by a variable aperture, particularly in situations with complicated lighting.
Additionally, there are rumors that Apple may use a Samsung-developed three-layer stacked image sensor. This method usually results in sensors that can process images more quickly and with less noise. Additionally, they can enhance dynamic range, which could lead to improved detail in an image’s darker and brighter regions. Wider apertures are also anticipated for the main and telephoto cameras to enhance low-light photography.
A new chipset?
Apple might release a new chipset for the iPhone 18 Pro series inside the phone. The A20 Pro processor, which is reportedly constructed utilizing TSMC’s next-generation 2nm manufacturing process, is widely anticipated to power the devices. In general, performance and power efficiency can be enhanced by switching to a smaller process.
Apple may alter the internal arrangement of important components in addition to the manufacturing method. According to reports, the business may employ a technology known as Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module packaging. Instead of being installed separately on the motherboard, this approach integrates RAM directly with the CPU, GPU, and neural engine. Apple may be able to free up internal space in the phone as a result of this closer connection, which might also boost efficiency and speed.
Other improvements could make use of that additional interior space. For example, according to reports, the iPhone 18 Pro Max may be a little thicker than earlier models in order to fit a bigger battery. It is anticipated that the Pro Max model will have a battery capacity of approximately 5,100mAh. A heavier gadget could be the trade-off; estimates indicate that the phone may weigh more than 240 grams.
Connectivity, display
Connectivity improvements are also expected, particularly on the Pro Max model. The device may include Apple’s next-generation C2 modem, which could bring back support for mmWave 5G within Apple’s in-house modem lineup. This could help improve peak 5G speeds in markets where mmWave networks are available and reduce reliance on third-party modem suppliers.
As for the display, the screen sizes are not expected to change. The iPhone 18 Pro is likely to continue with a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max may retain a 6.9-inch panel. However, there is still some disagreement among sources about how Apple will handle the front cutout. Some reports suggest the Dynamic Island may disappear entirely, while others believe Apple could keep a smaller version of it even if Face ID hardware moves under the display.
iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max: Launch timeline, prices (leaked/ expected)
In terms of launch timing, Apple is expected to follow its traditional schedule. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are currently tipped to debut around September 2026. Interestingly, some reports indicate that the standard iPhone 18 model might not arrive alongside the Pro models and could instead launch later, possibly in 2027.
Pricing is still uncertain at this stage as Apple has not announced anything about the iPhone 18 lineup. However, recent pricing trends may offer some clues about what buyers can expect. With the iPhone 17 series, Apple introduced noticeable price changes in India. The standard iPhone 17 now starts at Rs 82,900 for the 256GB model, which is higher than the Rs 79,900 starting price of the iPhone 16. The increase was even more visible in the Pro lineup. The iPhone 17 Pro launched at Rs 1,34,900 for the base variant, up from Rs 1,19,900 for the iPhone 16 Pro. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro Max now starts at Rs 1,49,900.
Because Apple has already pushed prices higher with the current generation, the company may choose to keep the iPhone 18 series pricing relatively stable to avoid further pressure on buyers. At the same time, factors such as rising component costs and supply constraints, including ongoing shortages of RAM components, could still affect Apple’s pricing decisions. For now, it remains unclear whether the iPhone 18 Pro lineup will see another price increase when it launches later this year.
