Although the iPhone 18 Pro series is still around seven months away from launch, early leaks are already shaping expectations for Apple’s 2026 flagships. Recent reports suggest noticeable front design changes, major camera upgrades, and internal improvements focused on better performance and battery life, giving potential upgraders an early glimpse at what the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could bring, along with early pricing expectations.
iPhone 18 Pro Max
– Global version: 5,100mAh to 5,200mAh battery
– Chinese version: 5,000mAh battery
– This could add weight, crossing 240+ grams
– Also, could be thickest iPhone ever#iPhone18ProMax #AppleVia: DCS pic.twitter.com/yutbfLDiIL
— Shantanu (@TechnicalShaan) February 6, 2026
The iPhone 18 Pro series could mark a noticeable shift in Apple’s front design. Leaks suggest Apple is testing under-display Face ID, which could shrink the visible cutout to a single hole for the selfie camera. Interestingly, this camera may move to the top-left corner instead of the centre, giving the phone a distinctly different look. While Dynamic Island is not expected to disappear entirely, it may be redesigned to sit closer to the camera and take up less space, making the display feel cleaner overall.
ALSO SEE: Google Pixel 10a Leaked Renders Show Four Colour Options: What To Expect
On the back, Apple is likely to stick with a familiar triple-camera layout, though subtle refinements are expected. Reports point to changes in the back glass finish and how it blends into the aluminium frame, along with experimentation around new Pro-exclusive colours such as deep purple, burgundy, and brown tones. While the overall design may remain recognisably “iPhone,” these small tweaks could help freshen up the Pro lineup visually.
Camera upgrades appear to be a bigger focus this time. One leak points to a variable aperture system for the main camera, allowing better control over light intake and more natural background blur, especially in low-light conditions. This feature may be limited to the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Additionally, Apple is tipped to adopt a new three-layer stacked image sensor, potentially sourced from Samsung, which could improve dynamic range, reduce noise, and enhance photo and video performance, particularly at night.
Internally, Apple is expected to debut the A20 Pro chip, built on TSMC’s 2nm process, promising notable gains in performance and power efficiency. A redesigned internal layout could allow for better cooling or a larger battery, with the Pro Max rumoured to pack a battery around 5,100mAh, even if that means a slightly heavier phone. Connectivity upgrades, including a next-generation C2 modem with mmWave 5G support, are also expected. While Apple is likely to launch the iPhone 18 Pro series in September 2026, pricing remains uncertain, with the company expected to tread carefully after recent price hikes, especially in markets like India.
ALSO SEE: Apple iPhone 17e May Launch This Month With C1X Chip and MagSafe
