Although Apple is still around six months away from unveiling its next-generation Pro models, leaks surrounding the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are already painting a fairly detailed picture of what could be on the way. In recent months, multiple reports have pointed to noticeable design tweaks, significant camera enhancements, and internal upgrades aimed at boosting performance and battery efficiency.
For users debating whether to upgrade this year or wait another cycle, these early insights indicate that Apple may be preparing a more substantial refresh than we typically see.
iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max launch: Leaked price, battery, design, camera and other details
Design Changes
One of the biggest areas of discussion is the front design. For years, Apple has retained the familiar pill-shaped cutout paired with the Dynamic Island. That could finally start to evolve with the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. According to recent leaks, Apple is experimenting with under-display Face ID technology, which would allow most of the facial recognition sensors to sit beneath the screen. If this makes it to the final version, the large pill-shaped cutout could be replaced by a much smaller single hole for the selfie camera.
Interestingly, some early renders suggest that this front camera might shift towards the top-left corner rather than staying centered. Such a move would give the phone a noticeably different visual identity compared to current iPhone models.
As for the Dynamic Island, it’s not expected to disappear entirely. Instead, leaks indicate it could be redesigned into a smaller and more subtle element positioned closer to the camera cutout. The goal appears to be reducing visual distraction during everyday use while still supporting live features like navigation alerts, music playback controls, and timers that users have become familiar with.
Rear Design & Finish
On the back, Apple doesn’t appear to be planning any dramatic overhaul. The familiar triple-camera setup is expected to stay, housed within a slightly raised camera module. However, subtle refinements could still be part of the update.
Leaks suggest Apple may tweak the glass finish and improve how it blends into the aluminium frame, potentially creating a more seamless and premium feel in hand. While the overall silhouette might remain recognizable, these small adjustments could enhance durability and aesthetics.
Camera Upgrades
Cameras are where the iPhone 18 Pro lineup could deliver more substantial improvements. One major leak points to a variable aperture system for the primary camera. Unlike the fixed aperture found on current models, this setup would allow the lens to physically adjust the amount of light entering the sensor. In real-world use, that could mean more natural-looking background blur and better low-light performance—without relying excessively on computational photography. Some reports suggest this feature might be exclusive to the Pro Max variant.
Another significant rumour involves a new three-layer stacked image sensor, reportedly sourced from Samsung. This advanced sensor design is said to improve readout speeds, reduce image noise, and enhance dynamic range. Additionally, both the main and telephoto cameras are tipped to receive larger apertures, which should benefit night photography and video recording performance.
Chipset & Battery
Under the hood, Apple is expected to introduce the A20 Pro chipset, likely built on TSMC’s upcoming 2nm process. The chip is rumoured to use a new packaging technique that places RAM directly on the same wafer as the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine. This tighter integration could deliver improved speed, better energy efficiency, and enhanced thermal management.
Early projections suggest up to a 15% performance boost and around 30% better power efficiency compared to the previous generation. These gains could also enable more advanced on-device AI capabilities.
The internal redesign may also create additional space inside the device. Apple could use this for improved cooling or a larger battery. In particular, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumoured to house a battery of around 5,100mAh, potentially making it slightly thicker and pushing its weight beyond 240 grams. While that would make it heavier, many users may consider the extra screen time a worthwhile trade-off.
Connectivity & Display
Connectivity upgrades are also expected. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is tipped to feature Apple’s next-generation C2 modem. If accurate, this could bring back support for mmWave 5G in Apple’s in-house modem, enabling faster speeds in regions where mmWave networks are available.
As for display sizes, they are expected to remain familiar:
iPhone 18 Pro: 6.3-inch display
iPhone 18 Pro Max: 6.9-inch display
While there is still debate about whether the Dynamic Island will be completely removed or simply reduced, most leaks suggest the front design will look cleaner and less intrusive than current models.
iPhone 18 Pro & iPhone 18 Pro Max: Expected Price and Launch Timeline
Apple is widely expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro lineup in September 2026, maintaining its traditional launch schedule. Pricing remains uncertain. With the previous Pro models already positioned at the premium end in markets like India, Apple may try to keep prices within a similar range rather than introducing steep hikes.
Given the rising costs of flagship smartphones, especially in price-sensitive markets, Apple could aim to balance visible design upgrades and internal improvements without significantly pushing the entry price higher. However, final pricing will depend on component costs and supply chain conditions.
For now, these leaks suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro series could mark a more noticeable upgrade cycle compared to incremental updates seen in some previous years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max launch?
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro lineup in September 2026, following its usual annual launch timeline. However, the company has not officially confirmed the date yet.
2. What major design changes are expected in the iPhone 18 Pro series?
Leaks suggest Apple may introduce under-display Face ID technology, potentially reducing the front cutout to a small hole-punch camera. Some early renders even show the selfie camera positioned toward the top-left corner instead of the center. The Dynamic Island may not disappear completely but could become smaller and less intrusive.
3. Will the rear design change significantly?
No major overhaul is expected at the back. The triple-camera layout will likely remain, but Apple may refine the glass finish and how it blends into the aluminium frame for a more seamless look. New Pro-exclusive colours could also be introduced.
4. What camera upgrades are rumored?
The iPhone 18 Pro lineup could feature:
A variable aperture system for better light control and natural background blur
A three-layer stacked image sensor for improved dynamic range and reduced noise
Larger apertures for the main and telephoto cameras
Some reports suggest that certain advanced features may be limited to the Pro Max model.
5. What chipset will power the iPhone 18 Pro models?
Apple is expected to introduce the A20 Pro chipset, reportedly built on TSMC’s 2nm process. It may deliver around 15% better performance and up to 30% improved power efficiency, along with stronger on-device AI capabilities.
6. How much battery capacity will the iPhone 18 Pro Max have?
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumored to pack a battery of around 5,100mAh, which could make it slightly thicker and heavier. The trade-off may be significantly improved battery life.
7. Will there be connectivity upgrades?
Yes. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is tipped to feature Apple’s next-generation C2 modem, possibly bringing back mmWave 5G support in Apple’s in-house modem.
8. What display sizes are expected?
iPhone 18 Pro: 6.3-inch display
iPhone 18 Pro Max: 6.9-inch display
The screen sizes are expected to remain similar to the current generation.
9. What will be the expected price in India?
While official pricing is unknown, Apple may try to keep prices in a similar range to the previous Pro models rather than introducing major hikes. Final pricing will depend on component costs and market conditions.
10. Should you upgrade to the iPhone 18 Pro?
If the leaks are accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro series could offer more noticeable improvements in design, camera hardware, performance, and battery life compared to recent incremental upgrades. Whether to upgrade will depend on what device you are currently using and how important these changes are to you.
