A recently leaked video - widely circulated in the tech community - has drawn major attention by showcasing what appear to be finalized design and feature upgrades for both flagship models.

Apple restructures the iPhone lineup starting in 2026

According to credible leaks and recent analyst reports, Apple is preparing a major shakeup of its iPhone portfolio. In 2026, only the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Fold will be released. The standard, lower-cost iPhones will be skipped this year, and are expected to return in 2027.

This strategic shift means that for 2026, users will no longer have an affordable new iPhone option. Consumers will either need to pay the premium for a Pro model or invest even more in the foldable iPhone.

Analysts see this as Apple’s bold push into the high-end market, a move designed to maximize profit margins per device sold.

Punch-hole display: iPhone 18 Pro adopts Android-style front design

One of the most striking design changes is the introduction of a punch-hole display - something Android users have been familiar with for years. Apple is rumored to be hiding the entire Face ID system under the display, leaving only a small hole for the FaceTime front camera.

While the Dynamic Island feature won’t disappear entirely, it will be significantly minimized and integrated into a smaller screen cutout shifted to the left. This allows for a cleaner, more modern look, getting the iPhone closer to an edge-to-edge display experience.

Meanwhile, the foldable iPhone is expected to feature a different approach: Touch ID combined with punch-hole cameras on both screens, suggesting Apple is tailoring designs specifically to each product category.

Three bold new colors teased

The latest concept video showcases three daring new colors for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max - though final decisions have yet to be confirmed by Apple.

According to Jon Prosser, host of Front Page Tech, Apple is testing at least three finishes: brown, smoky purple, and burgundy red.

These align with earlier rumors and suggest Apple is aiming to revamp the visual identity of the Pro line, which some have criticized as too conservative in recent years.

It’s likely that only one of these new shades will be selected for the official September 2026 launch, joining the existing classic color lineup.

Apple’s first 2nm chip debuts

Under the hood, both iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to be powered by Apple’s first 2nm chip - possibly called the A20. This marks a significant leap in both processing performance and energy efficiency, further widening the gap between Apple and its Android competitors.

In another notable move, Apple may finally replace Qualcomm’s modem with its own in-house Apple C2 modem. If successful, this would represent a key milestone in Apple’s ongoing effort to gain full control over its hardware stack - potentially improving network performance and reducing licensing costs.

Satellite 5G and variable aperture: Unconfirmed but anticipated

Leading analysts also speculate that Apple could expand satellite connectivity features to include 5G support - building on the existing Emergency SOS capability. While promising, this has not been officially confirmed.

Another rumored upgrade is a variable aperture system for the main camera, which would offer improved light control and appeal to mobile photography enthusiasts. Like satellite 5G, this remains a high-profile rumor for now.

Redefining the iPhone with risks and ambition

Overall, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max aren’t just annual refreshes - they’re key pillars in Apple’s larger strategy to redefine the iPhone lineup. With a bold new design, a next-gen chip, an in-house modem, and potentially groundbreaking features, Apple appears ready to take calculated risks to maintain its dominance in the premium smartphone segment.

Hai Phong