Apple is still a year away from unveiling the iPhone 18 series, but early leaks and supply-chain talks have already started to build expectations around the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. While 2026 is also expected to be the year Apple enters the foldable phone arena, the Pro models will likely remain the company’s biggest crowd-pullers. From design changes to major internal upgrades, the iPhone 18 Pro is shaping up to be a meaningful step forward rather than a routine annual refresh.

iPhone 18 Pro to be launched in 2026, likely to come with 7 new features

One of the most visible changes to the iPhone 18 Pro is a subtle but noticeable design update. Apple is expected to stick to the same screen size as the previous generation, but the front of the phone may look cleaner than before. The Dynamic Island is said to have shrunk due to the Face ID components moving under the display. If it does, it would be one of the smallest display cutouts seen on an iPhone in recent years, giving users more uninterrupted screen space without completely removing the familiar dynamic island interface.

Some attention is also expected to be given to the back design. The two-tone finish seen on the iPhone 17 Pro has reportedly divided opinion, and Apple is keen to address that feedback. The iPhone 18 Pro is said to adopt a more unified rear look, with a better color blend between the aluminum frame and glass back. Additionally, Apple is rumored to be experimenting with new color options including coffee brown, purple, and burgundy. Although the final colors have not been confirmed so quickly, it suggests that Apple may continue to offer bolder Pro colors if the response to recent models has been encouraging.

Performance is another area where the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to make a significant leap. It is being told that Apple’s A20 Pro chip can be given in the phone, which can be a bigger upgrade than usual. The processor is expected to be made using a 2nm manufacturing process and will be combined with WMCM, or Wafer-level Multi-Chip Module, packaging. In practice, this combination should translate into better performance, better power efficiency, and stronger on-device AI capabilities. If these claims are true, the iPhone 18 Pro could feel significantly faster and more capable, especially for tasks involving photography, gaming, and AI-powered features.

Camera upgrade is expected to be the main point of discussion once again. The biggest rumor this time is the introduction of a main camera with a variable aperture. Unlike a fixed aperture, this setup will allow the camera to adjust how much light enters the lens depending on the scene. This means users can choose between a shallow depth of field for portrait-style shots, a balanced look where the subject stands out but the background remains clear, or deeper focus for landscapes and group photos. While other camera improvements are also likely, this feature alone could give photography enthusiasts more creative control than ever before on the iPhone.

Battery life is another area where Apple seems to be making headway. The iPhone 17 Pro models reportedly feature the largest battery ever used in an iPhone, and early leaks suggest Apple may not be stopping there. A well-known tipster claims that the iPhone 18 Pro Max could be a bit thicker and heavier, with the change widely believed to be linked to the larger battery. While the smaller Pro model isn’t specifically mentioned, past patterns suggest Apple could upgrade the battery capacity in both Pro variants rather than limiting it to the Max version.

Hopefully Apple will reconsider its camera control buttons as well. First introduced as a dedicated camera key with touch-sensitive gestures, the feature received a mixed response from users. Many found it useful as a simple shutter button but confusing when used for advanced controls like zoom and exposure. For the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, Apple is said to be working on a simplified version, presumably removing touch-based gestures entirely in favor of a more simple and reliable experience.

Connectivity is another behind-the-scenes area that is being upgraded. Apple is gradually moving away from Qualcomm modems, and the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature the company’s new C2 modem. Older versions of Apple’s in-house modem have already shown improvements in efficiency and battery consumption, and the C2 is expected to build on that foundation while delivering solid 5G performance.

Overall, these seven changes point towards a Pro-centric upgrade cycle that prioritizes refinements over radical change. Although many details are still unconfirmed and the launch is only expected in 2026, the early photo shows that Apple is doubling down on the thing users care about most. Better performance, better battery life, camera upgrades with real-world benefits, and a cleaner design could make the iPhone 18 Pro one of the best upgrades in recent years. As always, more clarity should emerge as the launch gets closer.