This fall we can expect the iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone 18 Pro Max. It is expected to be a minor update compared to the current Pro line, mainly with performance improvements and minor adjustments.
However, the ‘standard’ iPhone 18 will not be released this year; Apple seems to choose to spread the launches of iPhones over two periods of the year. That’s why we don’t expect the iPhone 18 until spring 2027. Below you’ll find the most important rumors, so you’re well prepared for what to expect from Apple’s 2026 iPhone Pro lineup.
Unchanged design
The design of the iPhone Pro models has been slightly adjusted over the past year, with a thicker aluminum frame, a large and wide camera plateau at the rear and rounded corners for a better grip. For the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple is expected to keep largely the same basic design, including the aluminum casing, similar screen sizes and a current camera plateau.
However, minor visual refinements and a slightly more uniform rear are expected. This could make the color difference between the frame and the glass plate for MagSafe less noticeable. New colors are expected, with a possible return of a dark or purple color such as burgundy red or dark purple.
Smaller Dynamic Island
The new iPhone models could have a reduced Dynamic Island compared to the current versions. Bloomberg reports that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in particular are equipped with a smaller version. Previously known insider Digital Chat Station which often provides reliable information about future Apple products, indicates that Apple is working on an improved user experience for Dynamic Island. But what exactly does this mean?
Supply chain sources report that Apple is making progress towards a more compact Dynamic Island thanks to advanced sensor technology and more efficient placement of the TrueDepth camera. This would result in a cutout that is 35 percent narrower than that of the iPhone 17 series, with a widget measuring approximately 13.5mm instead of the previous 20.7mm.
A20 Pro 2‑nanometer
The iPhone 18 Pro models could be the first to get Apple’s new A20 Pro chip in 2026, which is produced with an advanced 2-nanometer process by TSMC. This chip promises improved performance and lower power consumption, thanks to better integration of the processor, memory and Neural Engine compared to the A19 Pro chip of the iPhone 17 series.
The A20 Pro chip is believed to be developed using 2nm manufacturing technology, an advanced method of producing semiconductor chips. A 2nm process means that the gate of the transistor is 2 nanometers wide. The size of this gate is crucial because it determines how many transistors can be placed on a chip. The smaller the transistor gate, the more transistors can be accommodated on the chip.
Camera lens with adjustable aperture
After years of rumors, it looks like Apple is finally working on an adjustable aperture for the new iPhone 18 Pro models. This system lets the camera determine how much light falls on the sensor, which ensures better photos in different lighting conditions.
Earlier was reported that both the iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone 18 Pro Max would get this feature. However claims Digital Chat Station that only the largest version, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, will have an adjustable aperture. This means that Apple will only use this new technology in the top model for the time being.
An adjustable aperture helps the camera control how much light enters the sensor. In dark situations, the aperture can open to let in more light. In bright light, the aperture can be closed to prevent overexposure. Additionally, a variable aperture gives more control over depth of field, which is useful for portraits and close-ups.
Other expectations
- C2 modem chip for mobile internet and mmWave 5G technology
- N2 chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth-6 and Thread
- The iPhone 18 Pro Max may have a larger battery
Availability iPhone 18 Pro (Max)
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected in the fall of 2026 with possibly the same suggested retail price as the current generation of € 1329 for the Pro model and € 1479 for the Max version.
Foldable iPhone Ultra
Apple will most likely finally want to launch a brand new iPhone model this fall: the iPhone Ultra, or will it be the iPhone Fold? Apple’s first foldable iPhone will feature a thin book design that opens up to a tablet-like screen for multitasking and media. When closed, it remains a compact smartphone for everyday use.
The device offers a seamless experience with no visible fold line, a stylish frame and strong hinges for durability. The casing can be made from titanium and stainless steel and shares many similarities with the iPhone Air, including a camera platform with two lenses (wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle), as well as a selfie camera on both the outside and inside. Instead of Face ID, the iPhone Ultra will use Touch ID.
Other iPhone models
Last fall, Apple released the iPhone Air, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The iPhone 17e was released in the spring. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple would like to further expand this strategy in the coming years. In order to compete with other brands and to keep the company fresh, Apple would like to spread the release of new iPhone models throughout the year. With the premium devices in the autumn and the standard models in the spring.
This means that we can expect the iPhone 18 in the spring of 2027 with a basic upgrade compared to the iPhone 17 with possibly a smaller dynamic island, new A20 chip on 2-nm technology and a faster C2 modem with N2 chip for Wi-Fi-7, Bluetooth-6 and Thread.
It is currently unclear when Apple will release the iPhone Air 2. Apple is expected to release a new model next year, but that may not be until the fall of 2027 or not at all. After all, the Air is not a great success.