Anticipated Upgrades for the iPhone 18 Pro: Under-Screen Face ID and 9 More Coming in 2026 

Published: Dec 17, 2025, 8:51 AM 

Anticipated Launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and Foldable iPhone Next Fall

Next fall, Apple is set to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, and for the first time, a foldable iPhone could be part of the lineup. While the next series is still months away, it’s never too early to start exploring early rumors if you’re already dreaming of an upgrade.

We’ve compiled all the buzz surrounding the next-gen iPhone Pro models—every rumor, hint, and supply chain insight—so you can get a clearer picture of what’s on the horizon.

iPhone 18 Pro May Feature Under-Screen Face ID

This rumor has been making the rounds for some time, but a recent credible leak lends it more credibility: the iPhone 18 Pro models could include Face ID integrated beneath the display. If true, this would eliminate the Dynamic Island feature that’s been a staple of Apple’s Pro lineup since the iPhone 14 Pro.

While there will still be a camera cutout, the selfie camera is expected to shift to a smaller punch-hole design in the top-left corner. This would represent the most significant front-facing design change since Apple released the iPhone X in 2017, potentially creating a more immersive display experience.

Camera Upgrades: Introducing Variable Aperture

Apple appears primed to make significant camera advancements with the iPhone 18 Pro. Sources from Apple’s supply chain indicate that the device will feature a 48 MP Fusion main camera equipped with a variable aperture—a first for any iPhone.

For those unfamiliar, a variable aperture lens can adjust the amount of light it lets in, depending on the scene. This means brighter photos in low-light conditions and a shallower depth of field in brighter environments, all without needing to manually adjust settings. This could be a game-changer for photography enthusiasts.

Redesigned Camera Control Button

The Camera Control button is also rumored to be receiving a redesign. Apple might eliminate its touch sensitivity and haptic feedback, opting for a pressure-based input instead.

This change could address a common annoyance: unintentional swipes on the Camera Control. With this adjustment, users would be able to interact with the camera button more deliberately without sacrificing the feature's core functionality.

Bigger Battery for the Pro Max

Battery life is expected to improve, particularly on the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Early reports suggest it will house a larger battery compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max. While Apple hasn't disclosed specific capacity figures yet, even a modest increase would lead to longer screen-on time and enhanced endurance for power users.

Display Upgrades: Smoother and More Efficient

Both the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max may feature new LTPO+ displays, an upgraded version of Apple’s current LTPO screens. These panels are anticipated to support higher refresh rates while consuming less power, resulting in a smoother user experience with faster animations, fluid scrolling, and better battery efficiency.

Pro Max Could Be Apple’s Heaviest Phone

With the addition of a larger battery, the iPhone 18 Pro Max might become Apple’s heaviest smartphone to date. Leaks suggest it could weigh more than 240 grams, surpassing the weights of the iPhone 13 and 14 Pro Max, both of which tipped the scales at exactly 240 grams.

This added weight is primarily due to the larger battery, but it also indicates that Apple is focusing on longevity and power over extreme thinness in its Pro models.

Storage Upgrades for Power Users

The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is expected to feature storage options starting at 256 GB and reaching an impressive 2 TB. This is ideal for anyone who takes a lot of photos, films in 4K or 8K, works with ProRes RAW files, or uses multiple high-performance apps at once. Additionally, as AI features consume more storage, this increase could be a lifesaver for heavy users.

Potential Shift to Apple's Own Modem

Apple may make a significant internal change with the iPhone 18 series by introducing its in-house C2 modem. This would replace Qualcomm’s hardware entirely and build on the C1 modem already used in the iPhone 16e.

The C2 modem is expected to enhance mmWave performance, improve carrier aggregation, and boost efficiency. This should result in faster 5G speeds with reduced battery consumption, even during high data usage, marking a significant advancement for Apple’s 5G capabilities.

Cleaner, More Cohesive Back Design

Apple is reportedly refining the iPhone’s back design for a more streamlined appearance. On the iPhone 17 Pro models, the rear glass used for wireless charging doesn't perfectly match the aluminum frame, creating a slight color discrepancy. The iPhone 18 Pro may fix this issue by aligning the glass and metal for a seamless look.

While earlier rumors suggested a partially transparent back, it seems the current aim is simply to achieve a cleaner, more polished aesthetic rather than incorporating see-through panels.

Potential Introduction of the First 2nm Chip

Apple typically launches new hardware alongside a new processor, and the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to debut the A20 Pro, manufactured using TSMC’s next-generation 2nm (N2) process. In contrast, the iPhone 17 lineup uses the A19 chip built on 3nm technology, so this transition could lead to notable improvements.

Initial reports indicate that the A20 Pro could provide approximately 15% greater raw performance while reducing power consumption by around 30%. Smaller transistors generally lead to less heat generation and extended battery life, suggesting that the iPhone 18 Pro may be both faster and more energy-efficient than its predecessor.

Based on the leaks and insider insights thus far, the iPhone 18 Pro appears poised to be a major advancement. Apple seems to be making bold strides—reevaluating performance, battery life, connectivity, and camera capabilities in a way that could make this flagship one of the most remarkable releases of 2026.