iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to debut this September, although both models could carry noticeably higher price tags than their predecessors.

Months of reports from reliable industry sources have gradually revealed what is expected to be Apple's next generation of premium smartphones. While the overall design may remain largely unchanged, the new devices are tipped to feature significant upgrades across the display, cameras, processor and artificial intelligence.

Familiar design with improved durability and new colours

According to leaked information, Apple will retain the rear design introduced on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, including the large camera plateau.

One of the most notable cosmetic changes is expected to be a new Dark Cherry finish, which has appeared repeatedly in recent renders and supply-chain leaks. Apple is also reportedly preparing additional light blue, dark blue and silver colour options to further distinguish the new generation.

Beyond appearance, Apple is believed to be adopting a new aluminium manufacturing process designed to improve corrosion resistance and reduce surface discolouration, an issue reportedly seen on some iPhone 17 Pro models.

Dynamic Island could shrink by nearly half

One of the most visible changes is expected on the front of the device.

According to multiple reports, the Dynamic Island on both Pro models could become roughly 50% narrower. If the iPhone 17 Pro features a Dynamic Island measuring approximately 20.76mm, the new version is expected to shrink to around 13.49mm.

The smaller cut-out would create a cleaner and more immersive display experience, although its functionality is expected to remain largely unchanged.

A20 Pro built on 2nm technology

The iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to be powered by Apple's new A20 Pro processor, manufactured using an advanced 2nm process.

The smaller fabrication process is expected to deliver substantial performance gains while reducing power consumption, improving both speed and battery life.

The A20 Pro is also rumoured to work alongside Apple's second-generation in-house C2 modem, which is expected to support satellite connectivity and next-generation 5G networks.

Apple may also introduce a new N2 wireless chip supporting Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, improving data transfer speeds, AirDrop, Personal Hotspot and overall wireless performance.

Variable aperture camera for the first time

Photography is expected to remain one of the biggest selling points of the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.

Leaks suggest the 48MP primary camera will feature a variable aperture system for the first time.

The technology automatically adjusts the amount of light entering the sensor according to shooting conditions. In addition to improving low-light performance, it also provides greater control over depth of field, creating more natural background blur similar to professional DSLR cameras.

Apple has used fixed-aperture cameras throughout previous iPhone generations, making this one of the most significant camera upgrades if confirmed.

Siri AI enters a new era

Following years of development, Apple unveiled a completely redesigned AI-powered Siri at WWDC 2026. The new assistant is expected to launch alongside iOS 27 and will be specially optimised for the iPhone 18 Pro series.

The upgraded Siri is expected to understand natural language more effectively, recognise on-screen content, remember personal context and perform actions across apps on behalf of users.

Apple is also expanding Apple Intelligence across more built-in iOS 27 applications. Image Playground is expected to generate more sophisticated images and create wallpapers from text prompts.

The Camera app is also rumoured to gain a dedicated Siri AI mode, together with new Extend and Reframe features capable of expanding image composition and automatically adjusting framing after photos are taken.

LTPO+ display promises better efficiency

Another anticipated upgrade is Apple's next-generation LTPO+ display.

Compared with current LTPO panels, the new technology is expected to provide more precise control over power delivered to individual OLED pixels, allowing smoother adaptive refresh rates while improving energy efficiency.

Apple is also rumoured to adopt next-generation M16 OLED materials across both Pro models, delivering improved brightness, colour accuracy and overall display quality.

Although Apple has not officially confirmed any details, multiple reports suggest both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will launch at higher prices than the iPhone 17 Pro series.

Hai Phong