iPhone 18 Pro revealed with 12 notable upgrades ahead of launch.
With less than two months to go, Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro series with a host of upgrades to the display, camera, performance, battery, and connectivity, most notably the support for 5G via satellite.
As we enter mid-July, the time for Apple to introduce its new generation of iPhones is drawing near. According to leaked information, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will launch in the first half of September, before officially going on sale at the end of the month.
Although it is said to retain a similar design language to the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple's new generation of high-end iPhones is expected to bring many notable changes in terms of screen, camera, performance, and connectivity.
Besides the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple is also expected to introduce a foldable iPhone Ultra model at the same event. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and second-generation iPhone Air are likely to be announced around March 2027.
Below are 12 rumored upgrades that will appear on the iPhone 18 Pro series.
Dynamic Island is smaller.
Apple is reportedly planning to move the Face ID infrared emitter under the screen on the iPhone 18 Pro models. If this becomes a reality, the Dynamic Island will be smaller, increasing the display area.
LTPO+ displays are more energy efficient.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to still use 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch screens, respectively. However, the iPhone 18 Pro models are rumored to use the new generation of LTPO (LTPO+) displays, which optimize power consumption and improve battery life while maintaining an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120 Hz.
The main camera has a variable aperture.
The rumored 48MP Fusion camera is said to support variable aperture, allowing for adjustment of the amount of light entering the sensor for more flexible control over depth of field. However, due to the limitations of smartphone sensor size, the actual extent of this improvement remains questionable.
The A20 Pro chip is manufactured using a 2nm process.
One of the most notable upgrades is the A20 Pro chip, manufactured using TSMC's first 2nm process, replacing the 3nm process used in the A19 Pro. Along with the new packaging technology, this chip is expected to deliver stronger performance while significantly reducing power consumption.
New generation C2 modem
Following the C1 modem on the iPhone 16e and the C1X on the iPhone Air, Apple is reportedly equipping the iPhone 18 Pro series with the C2 modem. The new version is expected to further improve data transfer speeds and optimize power consumption.
Supports 5G via satellite.
According to leaked information, the C2 modem could pave the way for 5G satellite connectivity, allowing users to access the internet even without cellular or Wi-Fi signals. If accurate, this would be a major leap forward compared to current satellite-based emergency messaging services.
N2 connector chip
Apple is also expected to introduce its own N2 connectivity chip. While there isn't much information available about the improvements to this chip, it's likely to further enhance Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and connectivity features like AirDrop and Personal Hotspot.
Deep cherry red
Leaked information suggests that the main color of the iPhone 18 Pro will be Dark Cherry.
Additionally, the device may come in light blue, dark gray, and silver options, while the two colors, cosmic orange and dark blue, from the previous generation are likely to be discontinued.
The camera controls have been simplified.
Apple is reportedly redesigning the Camera Control button by eliminating capacitive touch and haptic feedback, instead using only force-sensitive touch to simplify the user experience.
New Ceramic Shield back panel
Apple is reportedly redesigning the back panel area covering the MagSafe system with a matte, seamless Ceramic Shield glass surface, replacing the two-tone finish of the current generations.
Larger battery on the iPhone 18 Pro Max
According to documents allegedly found in Chinese registration files, the iPhone 18 Pro Max may have a battery with nearly 10% more capacity than its predecessor, promising extended usage time.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max will be thicker.
In exchange for a larger battery capacity, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumored to have a thicker body than both the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the iPhone 18 Pro.
Although the above information comes from leaks and has not been confirmed by Apple, it suggests that the company may focus on upgrading performance, battery life, camera, and connectivity rather than making major design changes to the iPhone 18 Pro series. If all goes according to plan, all details will be clarified at the launch event expected in September.
