Despite it being early 2026, numerous rumors are circulating about Apple's "iPhone 18" series. The "iPhone 17" series impressed us with its surprisingly feature-rich base model, an incredibly thin "iPhone Air," and redesigned "iPhone 17 Pro" and "17 Pro Max" models. We hope this year's series will also surprise us.
Redaksiya reports that it's about a year or slightly less until the 20th anniversary of the introduction of Apple's original "iPhone" model. Although the company sells more phones in the US than competing "Android" phones, it lags behind "Samsung" in global sales and is slightly ahead of Chinese phone manufacturers like "Xiaomi." For the next "iPhone," it is important for Apple to achieve a lot, as well as to increase interest in foldable devices like the "iPhone Fold." The latest rumors already include a reduction in the "Dynamic Island," as well as the "iPhone 18" and "18 Pro" models having the same RAM as the "iPhone 17 Pro" and "Pro Max" models. Let's look at all the rumors and leaks we've uncovered about the "iPhone 18" series.
Latest Rumors
"iPhone 18" Design Differences
There are likely to be three models: the base "iPhone 18," "iPhone 18 Pro," and "iPhone 18 Pro Max." There may also be "iPhone" models not included in this series, such as a second-generation "Air" or a foldable "iPhone" that has been rumored for a long time. This could mean work is underway on a total of six "iPhone" models, if we also include the rumored "17E" model. "iPhone" model designs typically remain the same from year to year, and current rumors suggest this trend will continue. The screen sizes of the three phones will be the same as before – 6.3 and 6.9 inches respectively – with minor design differences in the rear camera protrusions. A "Weibo" leaker indicates that Apple's brightness requirements are incredibly high, which could cause problems with OLED supply. This leads some to believe there will be a brighter display. Rumors suggest the base "iPhone 18" model will have a smaller camera bump compared to its predecessor, while the "Pro" and "Pro Max" models will have a wider "plateau" to accommodate three rear cameras. According to a leak from the Chinese social media site "Weibo," the "Pro" model may feature a "thin transparent coating" on the rear glass panel. A Chinese leaker has stated that the "iPhone 18 Pro" model could have a more unified design than the current two-tone look. Some rumors also suggest it could have a heavier and thicker build. Additionally, it may be introduced in three new colors: brown, purple, and dark red. While brown might seem like an odd choice for a phone, the concept is clear.
Other rumors suggest changes to the "iPhone's" "Dynamic Island." Mark Gurman from "Bloomberg" and "Weibo" user "Digital Chat Station" report that Apple may reduce the size of the "Dynamic Island" on the "iPhone 18" models. This could lead to the camera being placed in a small hole, as "Face ID" sensors could be located under the screen. "The Information" also recently confirmed "Bloomberg's" rumor, stating that the "iPhone 18 Pro" and "iPhone 18 Pro Max" models will feature under-display "Face ID." Furthermore, the source indicated that the front camera would be moved to the upper left corner of the screen, resulting in no "Dynamic Island" cutout. Contradicting this claim, the "Ice Universe" account asserts that the "Dynamic Island" cutout will remain on the "iPhone 18 Pro" models but will be "about 35%" narrower than on the current "iPhone 17 Pro" models. This relates to the standard appearance of the "Dynamic Island"; the area expands based on "Live Activities" or other information, just like the current "Dynamic Island." "MacRumors" reports that the new "iPhone" will only have partial under-display "Face ID," which still necessitates the presence of the "Dynamic Island." We've tested under-display cameras on several phones over the years. The portion of the screen in front of the camera has fewer screen elements and transparent wiring, allowing the selfie camera to "see through" the screen, much like looking through an open window with curtains. While the idea of a minimal or no screen cutout is appealing, under-display cameras typically result in lower-quality images. However, perhaps "Apple" is the company that can integrate a high-quality camera under the screen. Otherwise, "Bloomberg's" Gurman also warns that the "18 Pro" model "won't be impressive," suggesting it may only have very minor changes. This is a slight departure from previous "iPhone Pro" models, where the "Pro" model was a more premium version of the "iPhone" series.
Larger Battery for "iPhone 18 Pro"
After years of customer demand, "Apple" finally prioritized battery over case thinness in the "iPhone 17 Pro." And this model continues to impress us, taking first place in Patrick Holland's comparison of 35 phones' battery life. We are particularly interested in whether "Apple" will implement its new silicon-carbon battery technology. According to a post on "Weibo," discovered by "9to5Mac," the "iPhone 18 Pro" model may have a battery exceeding 5000 mAh – specifically, 5000 mAh for models with a physical SIM card slot (required in some countries) and 5200 mAh for models using only eSIM (allowing more internal space to be filled with more battery).
New Cameras in "iPhone 18"
The "iPhone's" cameras are another feature that could receive a significant upgrade in 2026. "Macworld" reports that "Weibo" leaker "Digital Chat Station" claims the "iPhone 18 Pro Max" model could feature a camera with a variable aperture, similar to lenses on DSLR and mirrorless cameras. This would give users more control over depth of field and image brightness. "The Information" also reports that at least one rear camera on the "18 Pro" model will have a mechanical iris, another name for the lens aperture. We have seen phones with variable apertures before. The "Galaxy S9" was introduced in 2018 with mechanical dual-aperture lenses that could switch between f/1.5 on its main camera, allowing more light to enter and creating a shallower depth of field, while f/2.4 sharpened the object. However, the "S9's" image sensor was small, and the pictures taken from it were just okay. "Xiaomi" had a variable aperture on its "13 Ultra" in 2023 and "14 Ultra" in 2024, switching between f/1.9 and f/4.0, but each had a large 1-inch sensor that could utilize it. Unfortunately, to "CNET" reviewer Andrew Lanxon's disappointment, the company removed the variable aperture from the "Xiaomi 15 Ultra." "Macworld" also reports that the telephoto lenses on the "iPhone 18 Pro" and "Pro Max" models may have a faster aperture, allowing more light to reach the sensor and enabling better low-light shots. Additionally, "MacRumors" reports that all "iPhone 18" models (except the "18E") will receive upgraded 24-megapixel front cameras for better selfies. It's worth noting that the "iPhone 17" series and "Air" models all feature "Apple's" new "Center Stage" selfie camera, which has an 18-megapixel square sensor and can take horizontal or vertical pictures regardless of how you hold the phone. There are also some speculations that the "iPhone's" Camera Control button could be simplified. Instead of capacitive and pressure sensors, it might be solely pressure-sensitive for all Camera Control functions.
Updated A20 Chip and "iPhone 18" Features
Since the "iPhone 17" series uses A19 and A19 Pro chips, it's logical that the upcoming "iPhone 18" model will use "Apple's" new A20 processor. Rumors suggest the chips will use a new process called "Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module," which directly integrates RAM onto the same board as the CPU, GPU, and neural engine. This results in better efficiency and faster performance because everything is located on the same chip. We also hear that the "iPhone 18" series may use "Apple's" next-generation C2 modem chip for better wireless connectivity. Furthermore, "The Information" reports that "Apple" is preparing to support 5G networks from satellites, potentially giving "iPhone 18" models full satellite phone capabilities, not just for emergencies and messaging. "MacRumors" recently reported that the "iPhone 18" model could have 12 GB of RAM, according to research notes from analyst Jeff Pu. While this may not be exclusive to the "iPhone 18" model, "Apple" also announced it would launch an AI-powered "Siri" by "Google's" "Gemini" by the end of this year.
"iPhone 18" and "iPhone 18 Pro" Release Date
For years, "Apple" has held its annual "iPhone" launch event in the fall. However, according to many reports, "Apple's" smartphone release schedule may look different in the coming years. "Bloomberg" reports that "Apple" plans to release the "iPhone 18 Pro," "iPhone 18 Pro Max," and a new foldable model next fall. On the other hand, the "iPhone 18," "iPhone 18E," and a potential "iPhone Air 2" could be introduced six months later, in February or March of 2027.