iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max Colors: Transparent Design and New Shades Revealed

Apple’s next flagship smartphones, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, are already making headlines more than a year before launch. Recent leaks suggest that Apple is preparing major visual and technological upgrades, including a transparent back design and three bold new colors — coffee brown, purple, and burgundy.

These revelations come as Apple reportedly shifts its release schedule, planning to debut the iPhone 18 Pro lineup and the company’s first foldable iPhone in fall 2026. While official confirmation remains pending, leaks from reliable sources paint a detailed picture of Apple’s design direction and camera innovations.

Apple’s New Design Vision for iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max

According to multiple reports from Chinese tech insiders Digital Chat Station and Instant Digital, the iPhone 18 Pro series will refine the iPhone 17 Pro’s aesthetics while introducing daring material and color choices. The Pro models could feature a slightly or fully transparent rear cover made from Ceramic Shield, giving users a glimpse of the phone’s internal components.

Apple is also testing three exclusive color options — coffee brown, purple, and burgundy — though only one is expected to reach mass production. These deeper, more sophisticated tones reflect a shift from Apple’s previous bright palettes toward a luxury-inspired finish. The transparent design, paired with a titanium frame and a minimal camera plateau, suggests a more futuristic yet premium appearance.

Adding to the modern look, leaks indicate Apple may replace the Dynamic Island with a subtle pinhole cutout or even fully embed the front camera and Face ID sensors under the OLED display. The front-facing camera is expected to use Samsung’s advanced HIIA (Hole-in-Active-Area) technology for improved clarity without visible notches.

Advanced Camera and Performance Upgrades

The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is rumored to include a triple-lens system featuring a variable aperture main camera. This technology would allow better control of depth and lighting, especially in low-light conditions. A three-layer stacked Samsung image sensor could further enhance image clarity and reduce noise, marking one of the most significant photographic leaps in Apple’s smartphone history.

Under the hood, the devices are expected to run on Apple’s next-generation A20 chip built using TSMC’s 2nm process. Combined with a new in-house C2 modem, the chipset aims to boost AI-driven photography, increase speed, and deliver more efficient 5G connectivity while reducing reliance on Qualcomm hardware. Reports also point to improved heat management and longer battery life, addressing one of the biggest user concerns in recent Pro models.

Two-Phase Rollout and Foldable Model Plans

Apple may introduce a new staggered release schedule starting with the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the long-awaited foldable iPhone in September 2026. The standard iPhone 18 and the budget-friendly iPhone 18e would follow in spring 2027, giving Apple more time to fine-tune its mid-range lineup.

The foldable iPhone — reportedly featuring a 7.8-inch inner display and 5.5-inch outer screen — is expected to resemble the Galaxy Fold series but with a titanium frame and nearly invisible crease. If these rumors hold true, Apple could enter the foldable market with a price tag between $1,800 and $2,500, positioning it as a luxury device alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series.

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are shaping up as Apple’s boldest redesigns yet, blending transparent aesthetics, exclusive colors, and cutting-edge camera technology. If realized, these models could redefine what premium smartphones look and feel like in 2026.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What colors will the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max come in?

Leaks suggest coffee brown, purple, and burgundy, though only one color may make it to production.

Q2: Will the iPhone 18 Pro have a transparent back?

Yes, reports say the rear panel may be slightly or fully transparent, revealing internal components.

Q3: What new camera upgrades are expected?

The iPhone 18 Pro could feature a variable aperture system, a three-layer stacked image sensor, and better low-light performance.

Q4: When will the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max be released?

Apple is expected to launch the flagship models in September 2026, followed by mid-tier versions in spring 2027.

Q5: What processor will power the iPhone 18 Pro series?

The devices will likely use the A20 chip built on TSMC’s 2nm process, paired with Apple’s in-house C2 modem.