Apple is still a few weeks away from unveiling the iPhone 18 series, but the rumour mill has already painted a fairly detailed picture of what the Pro models could bring. Interestingly, while Apple's first foldable iPhone is expected to grab much of the spotlight this year, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are shaping up to be major upgrades in their own right.
From a redesigned front and improved cameras to a next generation processor and what could be the biggest battery ever fitted inside an iPhone, here's everything the leaks have suggested so far.
Apple may split its iPhone launch for the first time
If recent reports are accurate, Apple could be planning a significant change to its launch strategy. Contrary to expectations that the whole range of iPhone 18 will be revealed at once, the company is rumored to only release the iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone 18 Pro Max in September 2026. The standard iPhone 18 and the iPhone 18e models might be released some months later in spring 2027.
If that happens, buyers waiting for Apple's traditional September event may only have the Pro models to choose from.
Familiar design with a noticeable twist
At first glance, the iPhone 18 Pro may not look radically different from last year's model. Leaks indicate Apple will continue with a triple rear camera setup, although the company is said to be refining the design to create a cleaner transition between the frame and the rear panel.
The bigger visual change is expected on the front. Rather than replacing the Dynamic Island altogether, Apple is reportedly working on making it smaller. Earlier rumours pointed towards a punch hole camera, but newer leaks suggest the company has instead focused on reducing the size of the cutout to free up a little more display space without changing the overall look of the phone.
New colours could also be on the way. A dark cherry finish has emerged as one of the strongest rumours, while light blue, silver and dark grey are also said to be under consideration.
Camera upgrades could take centre stage
Apple appears to be focusing heavily on photography this year. One of the biggest rumours is the arrival of a variable aperture main camera, a feature that would automatically adjust the amount of light entering the lens depending on the scene. Besides improving low light photography, it could also give users more control over background blur in photos.
However, the telephoto camera itself is likely to see some improvements too, with claims indicating an improvement in aperture and zoom. Apple is also believed to be testing a next generation image sensor capable of delivering faster image processing, improved dynamic range and cleaner photos in difficult lighting conditions.
A20 chip and bigger batteries
Performance is expected to get a noticeable boost with Apple's upcoming A20 processor. The chip is tipped to be manufactured using TSMC's 2 nanometre process, making it both faster and more power efficient than the current generation. Leaks suggest users could see improvements in gaming, multitasking and Apple Intelligence features, while the new architecture may also help extend battery life.
Speaking of batteries, both Pro models are rumoured to receive larger cells. The iPhone 18 Pro is tipped to pack a 4,299mAh battery, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max could feature a 5,567mAh unit, potentially making it the biggest battery Apple has ever included in an iPhone. The addition of efficiency improvements provided by the A20 chip makes both devices likely to have significantly higher battery life compared to their predecessors.
Apple will also launch its next-gen C2 modem along with the Pro models. Apart from offering better 5G connectivity, the modem may also improve satellite connectivity and efficiency.
Expected price and launch date
It is believed that the iPhone 18 Pro range will be launched in the second week of September, while September 8 is already one of the potential candidates for launch date. The company is yet to confirm an official date.
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Pricing, however, may not remain unchanged. Analysts believe rising manufacturing costs could push the prices of both Pro models higher than their predecessors. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to launch above the iPhone 17 Pro's starting price of Rs. 1,34,900, while the Pro Max is also tipped to cost more than the current Rs. 1,49,900. Some reports even suggest Apple could increase prices globally by as much as $200.
With the launch still weeks away, more leaks are expected to surface. However, should the rumors turn out to be true, it is possible that Apple’s next Pro models of iPhone may be less concerned about radical changes and more about improving their performance.