Apple may unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September 2026. No dramatic redesign is expected, but the new flagship models could receive larger batteries, a more powerful chip, upgraded cameras and a smaller Dynamic Island.
MacRumors reported this after compiling the main leaks and analyst forecasts concerning Apple’s next generation of smartphones.
According to the publication, Apple may adopt a two-stage iPhone release schedule for the first time this year. The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and a long-rumoured foldable device unofficially called the iPhone Ultra are expected in the autumn. The standard iPhone 18, iPhone Air 2 and iPhone 18e would reportedly follow in spring 2027.
No radical design changes
The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to look broadly similar to the iPhone 17 Pro. Apple is likely to retain the raised rear camera platform with three lenses arranged in a triangle, although the platform itself could become thicker.
Display sizes are also expected to remain unchanged at 6.3 inches for the iPhone 18 Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max.
Apple could, however, abandon the two-tone appearance of the rear casing and make the transition between the glass and aluminium frame less noticeable.
Larger battery and heavier body
One of the main changes could be a substantial increase in battery capacity. According to information reportedly found in Chinese regulatory documents, the iPhone 18 Pro Max battery could grow by nearly 500mAh compared with its predecessor.
The US version of the smartphone is said to have a 5,567mAh battery, compared with 5,088mAh in the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The larger battery may require a thicker chassis and could increase the device’s weight to around 243 grams.
Smaller Dynamic Island
Sources remain divided over whether the iPhone 18 Pro will introduce under-display Face ID.
Some insiders claim Apple could remove the Dynamic Island entirely, leaving only a hole for the front-facing camera. Others expect the cutout to remain but become significantly smaller.
One leak suggests its width could shrink by around 35%, from approximately 20.7mm to 13.5mm. Apple has reportedly not yet made a final decision on the display design.
More efficient display
The flagship models may use OLED panels featuring LTPO+ technology, which is expected to consume less power and manage brightness more precisely according to ambient lighting.
Samsung Display and LG Display are reportedly expected to remain the panel suppliers.
New 2nm A20 Pro chip
The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to use Apple’s A20 Pro processor, manufactured by TSMC using a 2nm process.
The new chip could be around 15% faster and 30% more energy-efficient than the A19 series.
Apple may also use new packaging technology that integrates RAM more closely with the CPU, GPU and Neural Engine. This could improve Apple Intelligence performance and reduce power consumption.
Apple’s own modem
Some iPhone 18 Pro models could receive Apple’s in-house C2 modem, the successor to the C1 and C1X.
It is expected to provide higher mobile data speeds, improved energy efficiency and support for mmWave 5G in the United States. However, US models may retain Qualcomm modems, while Apple’s C2 could be used in international versions.
Samsung camera sensor and variable aperture
Samsung is reportedly developing a new three-layer image sensor for the iPhone 18. It could improve camera responsiveness, reduce noise and increase dynamic range.
That would mark a major change, as Sony has been Apple’s primary supplier of iPhone camera sensors for many years.
The main 48-megapixel camera on the Pro models could also receive a variable-aperture lens for the first time. The system would physically adjust the opening of the lens depending on lighting conditions and the desired depth of field.
It could allow more light into the camera during night photography or narrow the aperture for sharper images in bright conditions.
Full satellite internet access
Apple is reportedly working on support for satellite-based 5G networks capable of providing full internet access without terrestrial mobile towers.
Current iPhone satellite functions are mainly limited to emergency communication. Should the new technology be introduced, the iPhone 18 Pro could become one of Apple’s first devices to offer full satellite data connectivity.
Simplified Camera Control button
Apple may also redesign the Camera Control button. Instead of combining capacitive and pressure sensors, the company could retain only pressure-sensitive recognition.
The button’s functions are expected to remain unchanged. The redesign is reportedly intended to reduce manufacturing and repair costs.
New colours
Possible iPhone 18 Pro colours include light blue, dark cherry, dark grey and silver.
Apple has also reportedly tested a deep red finish. According to one leak, there may be no black version for the second consecutive year.
iOS 27 and a redesigned Siri
The new smartphones are expected to ship with iOS 27, which MacRumors says will introduce the biggest Siri overhaul in the assistant’s history.
The updated assistant is expected to offer more natural conversations, understand personal context and on-screen content, retrieve current information from the web and provide expanded writing tools. It may also receive a separate app for reviewing previous conversations.
Like the iPhone 17 Pro, the new models are expected to feature 12GB of RAM to support the full range of Siri AI and Apple Intelligence features.
