On this week’s episode of The MacRumors Show, we break down all the latest rumors surrounding the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and what features it is expected to include.
Following last year’s major redesign, the iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to retain a largely familiar overall look, but with several notable refinements under the surface and in key design details.
One of the biggest visual changes could be a smaller Dynamic Island. Reports suggest that Face ID’s flood illuminator may be moved under the display, allowing Apple to shrink the cutout by roughly 35% compared to the iPhone 17 Pro. Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumored to become slightly thicker at around 8.8mm and exceed 240 grams, making room for a larger battery in the 5,100–5,200mAh range, up from the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s 5,088mAh capacity.
At the rear, Apple is said to be moving away from the two-tone finish seen on the iPhone 17 Pro models. Instead, the new devices may feature a more seamless design, with improved alignment between the Ceramic Shield back glass and the aluminum frame. A new red color option is also rumored to be in development.
Camera upgrades appear to be a major focus. Both Pro models are expected to feature a 48-megapixel Fusion main camera with variable aperture, giving users DSLR-like control over light intake and depth of field. This would allow for more precise control over focus and background blur in different shooting conditions. In addition, Samsung is reportedly developing a new three-layer image sensor for the iPhone 18 Pro, aimed at reducing noise and improving dynamic range and responsiveness compared to current Sony sensors.
Apple is also simplifying the Camera Control button. Instead of combining capacitive touch gestures with pressure sensitivity like on the iPhone 17, the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to rely solely on pressure input, streamlining both manufacturing and repair while improving usability.
Under the hood, the A20 Pro chip is expected to be Apple’s first built on a 2-nanometer process. It is rumored to deliver around 15% faster performance and up to 30% better power efficiency than the A19 Pro. The chip may also use TSMC’s Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module technology, integrating RAM directly alongside the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine to improve performance, efficiency, and internal space usage.
Connectivity upgrades are also expected, including Apple’s C2 modem with faster speeds, improved efficiency, and support for mmWave 5G in the United States. Other rumored additions include the N2 wireless chip and expanded 5G satellite internet capabilities.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are currently expected to launch in September 2026, alongside a rumored foldable iPhone. The standard iPhone 18 and lower-cost iPhone 18e are expected to follow in spring 2027.
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