The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are about to be unveiled. Apple is expected to present the new top models in the first half of September, followed by a launch later that month. While the focus is mainly on the iPhone Ultra, Apple’s first foldable iPhone, the iPhone 18 Pro will also undergo some innovations.
It’s important to note that the regular iPhone 18, a cheaper iPhone 18e, and the second-generation iPhone Air aren’t expected to release until March 2027. We list the 10 most important features to be expected for the iPhone 18 Pro line for you.
1. Dark Cherry as new color
Every year, Apple introduces an exclusive, high-profile color for the Pro models. This fall it will reportedly be Dark Cherry, a deep and chic red-purple shade. This new shade is added to the range, which already includes light blue, dark gray and silver. Existing colors, such as cosmic orange Orange and Deep Blue, will disappear from the collection.
2. Smaller Dynamic Island
The cut at the top of the screen will have a more compact shape this year. Apple seems to have managed to… flood illuminator (a crucial part of Face ID facial recognition) under the screen. This results in a smaller Dynamic Island, which provides more usable screen real estate. In practice, however, the gain in screen space will be limited and will mainly provide extra space when the Dynamic Island is not in use.
3. More energy efficient LTPO+ displays
Although the screen sizes remain unchanged at 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch, Apple is reportedly introducing a new screen technology called LTPO+. This type of display is even more energy efficient, which should immediately ensure a longer battery life during daily use.
4. Variable aperture on the main camera
Photo enthusiasts are in for a treat. The wide-angle 48-megapixel Fusion camera will reportedly have a physically variable aperture. This allows you to control how much light falls on the sensor, which gives you much more manual control over depth of field (the well-known bokeh effect) and performance in low light.
5. Lightning-fast A20 Pro chip
Under the hood we find the brand new A20 Pro chip. This is Apple’s very first processor to be manufactured with TSMC’s groundbreaking 2nm process (for comparison: current chips are 3nm). This not only provides clear performance gains, but also makes the iPhone considerably more energy efficient.
This is the result of transistors being placed closer together, meaning virtually no energy is lost. This leads to a processor that is up to 30% more energy efficient and performs up to 15% faster than existing 3nm chips.
6. New C2 modem for faster 5G
Apple is increasingly moving away from external chip readers and equips the iPhone 18 Pro with its own third-generation C2 modem. This chip provides the mobile connection (5G and LTE) and, according to the sources, is more efficient and energy efficient than all previous generations, but there is another advantage!
7. 5G via satellite
Thanks to the integration of the new C2 modem, the iPhone 18 Pro models will reportedly receive support for 5G via satellite. This means that you will soon be able to use the internet and browse outside the range of normal transmission towers or WiFi networks via a satellite connection.
8. N2 chip for better connectivity
After introducing the N1 chip last year, Apple is now switching to the N2 chip. This chip controls all wireless connections in the device, such as WiFi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread. Although the exact specifications are still secret, this will ensure even more stable and faster data transfer for AirDrop and the Personal Hotspot, among others.
9. Simplified camera controller
The physical camera controller is being redesigned. While the current button still responds to swipe movements and light touches (haptic feedback), Apple is now reportedly choosing to simplify the button. The new button only responds to pressure sensitivity, which should prevent unintended actions while photographing.
10. New rear design Ceramic Shield
The back of the iPhone 18 Pro gets a subtle visual upgrade. The glass part around the MagSafe magnet and the Ceramic Shield at the back is given a sleeker finish. Where this previously formed a clear glossy contrast with the rest of the casing, it now has a matte, seamless and more ‘frosted’ appearance. This makes the back appear more like one piece instead of two separate parts.
Availability iPhone 18 Pro
If Apple follows its familiar pattern, fortunately we won’t have to wait very long. The presentation of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected in early September 2026 (with September 8 or 9 as the most fervent rumor). It is striking that Apple will probably only release the absolute top models in the autumn this year. The regular iPhone 18 and the new iPhone Air are not expected until the spring of 2027.
Unfortunately, there is some less favorable news regarding the price tag. Due to the switch to the more expensive 2nm chips, the rising prices for RAM and advanced camera parts, production costs for Apple are rising significantly.
Although we hope that Apple tries to keep the starting prices the same, analysts expect a price increase. These are the expected starting prices for the entry-level models (with 256GB storage) in the Netherlands:
- iPhone 18 Pro: from approx. €1,399 (but take into account a possible increase towards € 1,429)
- iPhone 18 Pro Max: from approx. €1,539 (in case of a significant price increase, this could increase towards € 1,599)
What do you think of these expected upgrades and the possible price increase? Is the switch to a 2nm chip and the improved camera reason enough for you to upgrade this fall, or are you still waiting? Let us know in the comments!