Apple is still more than a year away from unveiling the iPhone 18 series, but early leaks and supply-chain reports are already offering a clearer picture of what to expect from the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in 2026. While Apple is also rumoured to be working on its first foldable iPhone around the same time, the Pro models are expected to remain the company’s flagship crowd-pullers. Instead of a minor refresh, the iPhone 18 Pro is shaping up to deliver meaningful improvements across design, performance, camera capabilities, and battery life.
One of the most noticeable updates expected on the iPhone 18 Pro is a cleaner front design. Apple is reportedly planning to shrink the Dynamic Island by moving some Face ID components under the display. This would result in a smaller cutout and a more immersive viewing experience, while still retaining the Dynamic Island interface that Apple introduced in recent generations.
The rear design may also see refinement. Reports suggest Apple could move away from the two-tone finish seen on earlier Pro models and adopt a more unified look between the aluminium frame and glass back. New colour options such as Coffee Brown, Purple, and Burgundy are also being tested, pointing to a possible expansion of bold colour choices for Pro users.
Performance is expected to take a major step forward with the introduction of Apple’s A20 Pro chip. Built using a 2nm manufacturing process and paired with advanced wafer-level multi-chip module packaging, the new processor is expected to deliver faster speeds, improved power efficiency, and stronger on-device AI performance. This could translate into smoother gaming, faster photography processing, and better overall responsiveness.
Camera upgrades are also expected to be a major highlight. The iPhone 18 Pro is rumoured to feature a variable aperture main camera, allowing the lens to adjust light intake depending on the scene. This would give users more control over depth of field, enabling better portraits, clearer group shots, and improved low-light photography without relying solely on software processing.
Battery life could see another boost as well. Leaks suggest the iPhone 18 Pro Max may become slightly thicker to accommodate a larger battery, and Apple could extend similar improvements to the standard Pro model. Combined with the efficiency gains from the new chip and modem, users may see noticeable gains in daily battery performance.
Apple is also expected to simplify the Camera Control button after mixed feedback from users. The redesigned version may focus on basic functionality rather than touch-based gestures, making it more intuitive and reliable. On the connectivity side, the iPhone 18 Pro is likely to debut Apple’s in-house C2 modem, continuing the company’s move away from Qualcomm while improving power efficiency and 5G performance.
Although the iPhone 18 Pro is not expected to launch until fall 2026, early signs suggest Apple is focusing on practical upgrades rather than dramatic design changes. With improvements that directly impact everyday use, the iPhone 18 Pro could stand out as one of Apple’s most balanced and refined upgrades in recent years.
