Is Apple about to quietly redo the iPhone front and quietly bulk up its batteries? The rumor mill has been busy, and the picture forming for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max is a mix of incremental refinements and a few notable leaps — thinner cutouts, a variable aperture main lens, the A20 Pro on TSMC's 2nm node, and slightly larger batteries for the Pro Max.
A cleaner front, but not a full under-display Face ID
Early chatter suggested Apple would push Face ID completely under the display. The latest reports dial that back: engineers may be moving only some Face ID components under the glass, which would let Apple shrink the Dynamic Island rather than remove it. Expect a smaller punch-hole for the front camera, positioned toward the top-left rather than centered — a subtle change that will make the front look cleaner without giving up the usability of live activities and ongoing controls.
Why does this matter? A narrower Dynamic Island is a visible, everyday improvement: less interruption when watching videos or gaming, while preserving functionality. But it also signals how Apple is balancing engineering risk with a desire for a sleeker look.
Cameras: mechanical tricks and stacked sensors
Camera upgrades are among the more excited-about rumors. Multiple sources point to a variable aperture on the main camera, which would be a mechanical addition allowing the lens to open or close depending on lighting. That gives more natural depth control and better low-light shots without only relying on computational tricks. There's also talk of a three-layer stacked sensor from Samsung for faster readouts and improved dynamic range, and a wider-aperture telephoto on Pro models. Importantly, some of these camera perks may be Pro-exclusive — and the forthcoming iPhone Fold might miss the telephoto altogether.
If you're weighing a mid-cycle upgrade, those camera differences could be decisive; read up on how the last cycle shook out to decide if you should wait or buy now in our guide to the previous lineup (/news/iphone-17-pro-upgrade-guide).
Bigger battery, a thicker phone, and efficiency gains
A recurring rumor: the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be slightly thicker than its predecessor. Supply-chain leaks shared by reputable tipsters indicate the Pro Max could get a modest battery bump — something like 5,000mAh for non-eSIM models and around 5,100-5,200mAh for eSIM-equipped variants. That works alongside new silicon rather than instead of it: Apple is expected to debut the A20 Pro chip built on TSMC's 2nm process, which should bring measurable efficiency wins.
Put together, a larger cell plus a 2nm A20 Pro and a new modem could produce noticeably longer runtimes without transforming battery size. For users who prize endurance, that combination may feel like a major upgrade.
Connectivity and chips: Apple's tighter control
Apple looks set to continue in-house work on radios. Rumors point to a C2 modem that could bring back mmWave support in select regions and an N-series wireless chip handling Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. Those pieces fit the bigger picture: smaller Dynamic Island and camera advances are visible changes, but better connectivity and faster, more efficient silicon are the plumbing that defines the day-to-day experience — including future Apple Intelligence features powered by on-device compute and on-cloud models. Apple has already been moving in that direction with strategic AI work; this hardware evolution will be a key enabler (see the company's AI plans tied to Siri and models like Gemini) (/news/apple-google-gemini-siri).
Design touches and colors
Expect continuity rather than overhaul on the back. The trio of rear cameras on a raised plateau remains, with possible refinements to the Ceramic Shield finish and MagSafe charging surface. Internal leakers mention darker, moodier colors under testing: burgundy, deep purple, even brown. Those choices might not be for everyone, but they help Apple keep the Pro line visually distinct.
What Apple probably won't confirm — yet
Many rumors are consistent across sources: 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch sizes for Pro and Pro Max, LTPO+ displays for better power management, a simplified Camera Control button, and potential new packaging for RAM and SoC to improve speed and thermal behavior. But timelines, exact battery figures, and exclusivity of features are always in flux until Apple walks on stage.
Launch timing looks familiar: expect an announcement around Apple's usual September window, with price strategy likely cautious given recent hikes in premium devices and market sensitivity in regions like India.
If you're thinking of upgrading
It comes down to priorities. Photographers and power users who want longer battery life and mechanical camera control will probably find the rumors tempting. For everyone else, the changes look evolutionary rather than revolutionary. If accessories matter to you, the new Pro models will still pair with Apple's ecosystem — from the latest AirPods Pro 3 to an Apple Watch — and those can meaningfully change the daily experience.
Rumors will tighten as we get closer to launch. Until then, expect more refinements, supply-chain teases, and the usual mix of confident leaks and cautious denials. Whatever Apple ultimately reveals, the 18 Pro cycle seems aimed at smoothing rough edges and nudging camera, battery, and modem tech forward rather than reinventing the iPhone.