According to the latest leaks from the reputable source Digital Chat Station, Apple is preparing major upgrades in screen technology, camera hardware, back design, and even battery structure.

If the leaks prove accurate, both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could be packed with features never before seen on an iPhone.

Display: Ultra-small punch-hole and hidden Face ID

Digital Chat Station reveals that Apple will implement HIAA (hole-in-active-area) technology to create a microscopic punch-hole on the display for the selfie camera. This would mark a complete departure from the current Dynamic Island design.

Multiple reliable sources, including Ross Young and The Information, previously reported that the iPhone 18 Pro will eliminate the current “pill-shaped” module on the screen.

The front camera will be embedded in an ultra-small hole at the top left corner, while the entire Face ID system will be hidden beneath the display.

The big question: Will Dynamic Island disappear entirely? That remains unclear. It’s possible the interface will still appear when needed, even if the face recognition hardware is fully concealed.

Another leak claims the screen sizes will remain unchanged: 6.3 inches for the iPhone 18 Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max.

However, Digital Chat Station hints that “the screen shape will change,” although no specific direction has been confirmed for Apple’s design tweaks.

Camera: Variable aperture like a professional DSLR

While most current flagships use fixed apertures, the iPhone 18 Pro could be Apple’s first to feature a variable aperture similar to DSLR cameras.

This aligns with predictions from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo back in 2024. According to him, the main 48MP camera will include aperture blades, allowing users to adjust how much light enters the sensor.

This would be a massive leap in controlling depth of field, brightness, and night photography performance.

Apple is clearly focusing on more than just lens quality. The horizontal camera layout – a controversial design introduced in 2025 – is expected to return. However, the back panel will undergo a major redesign.

Transparent back: A bold new aesthetic direction for Apple

Digital Chat Station previously hinted that Apple may experiment with a “semi-transparent” back cover. This design could expose some internal components, such as the MagSafe magnetic ring.

This look draws inspiration from the Nothing phone brand, which pioneered the transparent smartphone trend. If Apple adopts this style, it would be a daring shift in its visual identity.

For years, Apple has embraced a design philosophy of “external minimalism, internal perfection.” A semi-transparent back could signal a transition toward bold, expressive design while maintaining precision engineering.

Battery: Steel-wrapped cell introduced for the first time

Another potential innovation: the iPhone 18 Pro Max might be the first iPhone to use a steel-encased battery.

This structure would improve durability, thermal management, and heat dispersion under high workloads from the processor and modem.

Combining a glass back with a steel battery case indicates that Apple is prioritizing performance and stability for prolonged use.

Performance: 2nm chip and 12GB RAM

All iPhone 18 models are expected to be powered by 2nm chips – a major leap in semiconductor technology that boosts performance and reduces power consumption.

RAM will also increase to 12GB, bringing the iPhone in line with top-tier Android flagships in terms of multitasking capability.

However, Apple’s release schedule may change: only the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Apple’s first foldable iPhone will debut in 2026. The remaining variants will launch in spring 2027.

This indicates Apple is expanding its “Pro” product lineup, mirroring its strategy with the iPad series.

If these leaks hold true, the iPhone 18 Pro represents more than an upgrade – it could mark a fundamental shift in Apple’s smartphone trajectory.

In 2024–2025, Apple faced criticism for stagnating AI developments, with Siri failing to meet expectations. The iPhone 16 focused on AI but delivered an underwhelming experience.

The iPhone 17 Pro redirected attention to hardware, a strategy that paid off.

With the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple appears to be doubling down: removing screen cutouts for a cleaner display, enabling DSLR-style aperture control, adding a transparent back for design flair, and upgrading the battery to ensure optimal performance.

There are rumors that Apple might integrate Google Gemini to improve Siri. However, since Gemini is not Apple’s native product, it may not offer a competitive edge.

Instead, Apple seems to be returning to its core strength: hardware and user experience.

The iPhone 18 Pro, with its lineup of first-time features, could be the device that restores Apple’s undisputed leadership in the global smartphone industry.

Hai Phong