Apple iPhone 18 Pro: What is known so far

It’s mid-July, which means the Apple iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are just two months away. The devices are expected to resemble the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, but will still feature many improvements over last year’s models. Rumored features include a smaller Dynamic Island display, 5G via satellite, and more.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and a foldable iPhone Ultra in the first half of September. These devices are then expected to launch in the second half of September. Rumors suggest that the regular iPhone 18, a more affordable iPhone 18e, and an iPhone Air 2 will be announced around March 2027.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro: 12 new features

Below we have summarized the twelve features that have already been circulating in rumors about the Apple iPhone 18 Pro models:

• Smaller Dynamic Island: Rumors are circulating that the Face ID floodlight will be moved below the screen on the Apple iPhone 18 Pro models, paving the way for a smaller Dynamic Island on the devices.
• LTPO+ displays: The next Apple iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to feature the same design as the iPhone 17 Pro models, including 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays and a triple-camera setup on the back. However, the displays are expected to utilize LTPO+ technology, which should contribute to longer battery life.
• Variable aperture: Rumors suggest that the 48-megapixel main camera (Fusion) in both Apple iPhone 18 Pro models features a variable aperture. This would allow users to control the amount of light passing through the lens and onto the sensor, thus better controlling the depth of field. However, since iPhones have smaller image sensors due to their compact design, it’s unclear how relevant this improvement would actually be.
• A20 Pro Chip: Apple’s next A20 Pro chip is expected to be manufactured using TSMC’s first-generation 2nm process, while the A19 Pro chip is manufactured using a 3nm process. Thanks to the 2nm architecture and the new package design, the A20 Pro chip should offer a significant performance increase and improved energy efficiency compared to last year’s model.
• C2 modem: Apple’s custom-designed C1 cellular modem for 5G and LTE was introduced last year in the iPhone 16e, followed by the C1X chip in the iPhone Air. According to Apple, the C1X modem is up to twice as fast as the C1 modem and the most energy-efficient modem ever used in an iPhone. These improvements are expected to continue with Apple’s third-generation C2 modem in the iPhone 18 Pro models.

• 5G via satellite: Reports indicate that the Apple iPhone 18 Pro models will support 5G via satellite for surfing the internet without a Wi-Fi or mobile network connection, thanks to the C2 modem.
• N2 chip: Most iPhone 17 models and the iPhone Air are equipped with Apple’s N1 chip, which enables Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. According to Apple, the N1 chip also improves the overall performance and reliability of features like Personal Hotspot and AirDrop. The iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to feature Apple’s next-generation N2 chip, but it’s not yet known what improvements this upgrade will bring.
• Dark Cherry: The special color for the Apple iPhone 18 Pro models is expected to be Dark Cherry, alongside Light Blue, Dark Gray, and Silver. The previous colors, Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue, will likely no longer be offered.
• Simplified camera controls: Apple is expected to simplify the camera control button on the iPhone 18 Pro models by removing touch sensitivity and haptic feedback. The redesigned button will only be pressure-sensitive.
• Newly designed ceramic back cover: Rumours suggest that the ceramic protective area on the back for MagSafe on the iPhone 18 Pro models will have a more matte and seamless look compared to the current two-tone design.

• Larger battery: According to alleged entries in Chinese regulatory databases, the iPhone 18 Pro Max will have an almost 10% larger battery compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
• Thicker design: There are rumors that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be thicker than both the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the iPhone 18 Pro.

Source 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8