Apple is reportedly preparing to unveil its next generation of flagship smartphones later this year, and while attention has partly focused on the long-rumored foldable iPhone, new leaks suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro lineup could bring a number of notable improvements to design, performance, and battery life.
Here’s a closer look at what’s in store for Apple’s upcoming premium phones.
Expanded color options
One of the most visible changes may come in the form of new finishes. After switching from aluminum to titanium in recent years Professional modelsApple gained greater flexibility to produce richer, more distinctive colors.
According to a Weibo tipster post, Apple is considering three additional color combinations for the iPhone 18 Pro range: brown, purple and burgundy. If accurate, this would mark one of the most varied palettes seen on a Pro model.
Curiously, the same source claims that black could once again be absent from the catalogue, despite traditionally being one of the most popular options among buyers. As with all early leaks, these details remain subject to change.
A smaller dynamic island
Another possible design change has to do with the Dynamic Island. Introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022, the pill-shaped cutout has largely retained the same dimensions in subsequent models, even as the bezels have continued to shrink.
This year, however, Apple It is said to be reducing its size slightly. The adjustment would reportedly be possible by relocating certain Face ID components below the display. Previous speculation suggested that Apple could move towards a punch-hole design, but recent rumors indicate that the Dynamic Island will remain, albeit in a more compact form.
Focus Camera Updates
Improvements in photography are also expected to feature prominently.
A rumor suggests that both Pro variants could receive an improved telephoto lens with a wider aperture than the current f/2.8 setting. A wider aperture would allow more light to enter the sensor, which could improve low-light performance and improve depth effects.
Additionally, Apple is reportedly exploring a variable aperture system for the main camera of the iPhone 18 Pro Max. If implemented, this would allow users to adjust depth of field more precisely in bright conditions, offering greater creative control without relying solely on software processing.
Apple’s next-generation modem
He iPhone 18 range It could also mark a broader rollout of Apple’s internal modem technology. While the company has already introduced its own modem chips in select models, their broader adoption has been limited due to previous versions not supporting mmWave 5G.
That may change with the long-awaited C2 modem, which is expected to power all iPhone 18 models. Beyond supporting faster connectivity standards, Apple’s custom modem is said to be more power efficient, which could help improve battery life.
There are also suggestions that the C2 chip could expand satellite capabilities to allow full data access in areas without traditional mobile coverage. Currently, satellite connectivity on iPhones is largely limited to emergency services and text-based communication.
A20 Pro chip and 2nm process
Performance improvements are also on the horizon. Apple is expected to introduce its new A20 Pro chip with the iPhone 18 Pro models.
The processor is expected to be built on a 2-nanometer manufacturing process for the first time, which could offer significant improvements in both speed and power efficiency. In addition to this, Apple could introduce a next-generation networking chip, tentatively called N2, although details remain scarce.
Slightly bigger battery
Battery capacity will also reportedly increase, at least on the larger model. Early reports suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro Max could feature a roughly 5,200 mAh battery, up from 5,088 mAh on its predecessor.
While the numerical jump seems modest, overall resilience depends on more than just capacity. Efficiency improvements from the new modem and processor could play an equally important role in expanding real-world use.
