Though Apple just unveiled the iPhone 17 Pro at its “Awe Dropping” event on September 9, rumors are already swirling about its 2026 successor — the iPhone 18 Pro Max — which could feature a radical new design element: a semi-transparent back panel.

Same design language, one big change

According to a recent leak from China, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to maintain the same 6.3-inch display and signature rectangular camera cluster with three lenses arranged in a triangular layout — similar to the iPhone 17 Pro.

The major change, however, lies in the rear glass panel, which could be “semi-transparent” instead of the fully opaque finish used in previous models.

Digital Chat Station, a well-known leaker on Chinese social media platform Weibo, suggested the new design might reveal internal components like the MagSafe charging coil, creating a unique visual style. However, the term “semi-transparent” remains vague, sparking debate online.

Custom transparent-back iPhones have long been popular among tech modders and third-party case makers. But if Apple were to adopt this aesthetic in a flagship model, it would mark a surprising departure from its usual design philosophy.

Still, the term “transparent” may not refer solely to aesthetics. Experts speculate it could relate to thermal conductivity or enhanced cooling systems.

These theories are bolstered by rumors that the iPhone 18 Pro will feature a vapor chamber cooling system made of stainless steel. In this context, the transparent glass may serve a functional purpose — improving heat dissipation — rather than showcasing internal hardware.

Cooling technology and experimental designs

If these leaks prove accurate, combining heat-conductive glass with vapor chamber cooling could help Apple tackle overheating issues — a frequent user complaint with new iPhone generations.

At this stage, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is reportedly still in the prototype phase. This means Apple has ample time to tweak or abandon experimental design ideas.

For instance, the iPhone 16e went through five different rear panel designs before finalizing its mass production model. The transparent back panel on the iPhone 18 Pro Max could simply be part of such internal testing and may never reach consumers.

Digital Chat Station has a mixed track record: while the account correctly predicted the iPhone 17’s camera layout, it also misreported changes to the Dynamic Island feature. The accuracy of this new leak remains uncertain.

Moreover, a transparent back doesn’t quite align with Apple’s current design ethos. Since the iPhone 12, Apple has favored minimalist, cohesive, and premium aesthetics. Revealing internal parts like the battery and aluminum frame — which aren’t visually impressive — may not match Apple’s design standards.

Still, one compelling theory suggests Apple could revamp the MagSafe ring around the Apple logo to make it a centerpiece of the new semi-transparent look. But for now, this remains speculation.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max is more than a year away from launch, giving Apple plenty of room to explore and discard multiple design directions. As such, the likelihood of a transparent back making it to the final version remains low.

However, the rumors reflect a broader trend: Apple may be working to more clearly differentiate the Pro models — not just in performance but also in visual identity.

If the transparent back becomes a reality, the iPhone 18 Pro Max could be Apple’s most daring design since the iPhone X in 2017.

Hai Phong