Expected to launch in fall next year, Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro line is generating buzz not only for its regular annual updates, but also for potentially introducing the company’s first - ever foldable iPhone.
While months remain before its official debut, enthusiasts are already scanning early leaks for signs of what to expect from Apple’s next flagship.
Under - display Face ID: A revolution up front

iPhone 17 Pro model. Image: PhoneArena
The long - rumored under - display Face ID now seems more credible, thanks to a leak from a highly reliable source.
If confirmed, the iPhone 18 Pro will become the first model to completely hide Face ID sensors beneath the screen.
This change would spell the end of Dynamic Island - a staple of the Pro models since the iPhone 14 Pro.
While a punch - hole cutout will remain for the selfie camera, it's expected to move to the top - left corner in a smaller and more subtle form.
This would mark the most dramatic change to the iPhone’s front since the iPhone X in 2017, promising a truly immersive, uninterrupted display experience.
Variable aperture camera: Big step in photography
On the rear, Apple seems ready to take a major leap in mobile photography.
Supply chain leaks suggest the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will sport a new 48MP Fusion main camera with variable aperture - the first time this tech appears on an iPhone.
Variable aperture allows the camera to adjust light intake automatically, depending on the shooting environment.
That means brighter photos in low light and shallower depth of field in bright conditions - without user intervention.
For photography enthusiasts, this could be a game - changing addition.
Redesigned Camera Control button
The controversial Camera Control button is also rumored to receive an update.
Apple might ditch touch sensitivity and haptic feedback in favor of a pressure - based press mechanism.
This redesign aims to reduce accidental swipes that interfere with capturing photos or videos.
With a firmer, click - style design, the button should offer better control while retaining its core functions.
Bigger battery for the Pro Max
Battery life remains a top priority, and the iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to deliver clear improvements.
Though Apple hasn’t confirmed capacities, early reports suggest a larger battery than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Even a modest increase could make a significant difference for power users.
Smoother, more efficient LTPO+ display
Both the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are likely to feature next - gen LTPO+ displays, a step up from current LTPO panels.
These upgraded screens could support higher refresh rates while using less energy.
That means smoother scrolling, faster animations, and better battery efficiency in everyday use.
Could become Apple’s heaviest iPhone yet
A larger battery could mean more weight.
Leaks indicate the iPhone 18 Pro Max may exceed 240g, surpassing both the iPhone 13 Pro Max and 14 Pro Max, each weighing exactly 240g.
Apple appears willing to trade off a bit of lightness in favor of endurance and performance, moving away from the ultra - thin trends of the past.
Massive storage for power users
The iPhone 18 Pro line is expected to start at 256GB and go all the way up to a staggering 2TB.
This would be ideal for users who frequently shoot 4K or 8K videos, edit ProRes RAW files, or run storage - heavy apps.
As AI features demand more internal storage, this expansion could prove essential for professionals and content creators.
Apple - designed modem replaces Qualcomm
Another strategic shift could be Apple’s in - house C2 modem, which is likely to replace Qualcomm’s chips completely.
Following the C1 modem used in the iPhone 16e, the new C2 is expected to offer better mmWave performance, more efficient band aggregation, and improved power efficiency.
Users could experience faster, more stable 5G connections while enjoying lower battery drain - even under high data usage.
Sleeker, more unified back design
Apple may also be refining the rear glass design for a more seamless look.
On the iPhone 17 Pro, the glass used for wireless charging occasionally mismatched the aluminum frame in color tone.
The iPhone 18 Pro could correct this with better material synchronization, aiming for a sleeker and more premium aesthetic.
Earlier rumors hinted at a semi - transparent back, but the current direction suggests Apple is favoring clean, elegant finishes over visual gimmicks.
A20 Pro chip: Apple’s first 2nm processor
Lastly, the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to launch with the A20 Pro chip, built on TSMC’s next - generation 2nm (N2) process.
While the iPhone 17 runs on the A19 chip (3nm), this new leap could result in a 15% performance gain and up to 30% lower power consumption.
Smaller transistors mean less heat and longer battery life, making the iPhone 18 Pro more powerful yet more efficient.
Looking at all the leaks and insider whispers, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are shaping up to be true game - changers.
Apple appears ready to make bold decisions across design, performance, connectivity, battery life, and photography - potentially crafting one of the most impressive flagship smartphones of 2026.
Hai Phong