According to new leaks from Apple’s supply chain, the tech giant is finalizing key design elements for the upcoming iPhone 18 lineup. Among the most anticipated updates are two significant changes coming to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

Front and back redesigns

This year’s iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max marked a clear shift in Apple’s design philosophy, highlighted by the bold introduction of Cosmic Orange as the signature color - replacing the usual grayscale options like black, white, or silver.

Apple also introduced a new two-tone back design, clearly separating the glass from the aluminum frame, and unveiled a wider camera module that spans the entire rear width - drawing considerable attention.

While the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to retain much of the current generation’s design language, two areas are slated for change: the Dynamic Island on the front and the glass on the back.

Early rumors hinted that Apple might abandon the Dynamic Island entirely in favor of a punch-hole display, similar to many premium Android models. However, recent leaks now contradict that speculation.

According to 9to5Mac, two reliable sources - Instant Digital and analyst Jeff Pu - have confirmed that Apple will only shrink the Dynamic Island, not remove it.

This suggests Apple is not yet ready to let go of the feature, which remains central to the iPhone’s current user experience.

Shrinking the Dynamic Island could help maximize screen real estate or serve as a precursor to future under-display camera technology.

Meanwhile, Apple is also rumored to refresh the rear design of the iPhone 18 Pro.

Sources from Weibo, including Digital Chat Station and Instant Digital, report that Apple is adopting a new finishing process for the back glass, allowing it to blend more seamlessly with the aluminum frame.

According to Instant Digital, the redesigned back glass will minimize color differences between the glass and the frame, creating a more cohesive and polished aesthetic.

This refinement could elevate the iPhone’s premium feel and improve grip, while addressing past complaints about the jarring contrast between the glass and frame in the iPhone 17 Pro.

Additionally, new color options are expected for the iPhone 18 Pro series. The iPhone 18 Pro Max may also be slightly thicker to accommodate a larger battery - a change that could apply to the smaller Pro model as well.

New colors: purple, burgundy, and coffee brown

A prominent Chinese leaker on Weibo has revealed the potential color palette for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, expected to launch next year.

Despite strong sales of the iPhone 17 Pro - as noted by CEO Tim Cook - the color choices drew mixed reactions, especially due to the lack of a traditional black version. This year’s lineup offered only silver, navy blue, and Cosmic Orange.

According to the source, the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to be available in three new shades: Coffee Brown, Purple, and Wine Red (Burgundy).

While names may vary slightly depending on translations, the overall aesthetic leans toward deeper, more sophisticated tones compared to the current generation.

The continued absence of a black model is likely to disappoint many fans. The main reason, experts suggest, is Apple’s move to anodized aluminum frames in the iPhone 17 Pro, which are lighter but more prone to visible scratches - a phenomenon dubbed “scratchgate.”

Analysts argue that producing a black variant with anodized aluminum would only amplify these scratch issues, possibly prompting Apple to skip black for the second year in a row.

That said, from 2020 to 2024, Apple consistently offered black or dark gray versions for its Pro lineup. Consumers have come to expect them, and their absence leaves some loyal users feeling let down.

As with any early leaks, these color options are subject to change. Apple typically finalizes its color palette later in the design process, based on both market trends and material limitations.

Still, if the reports are accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro could arrive with a more refined, unified rear design, a slimmer Dynamic Island, and a deeper, more elegant color lineup.

Hai Phong