Apple’s next premium smartphone, the iphone 18 pro, is expected to launch in September 2026, with leaks pointing to one of the biggest hardware upgrades Apple has introduced in years. Reports also suggest Apple may be shifting to a staggered launch strategy, starting with Pro models before rolling out standard variants.
iPhone 18 Pro Launch Strategy and Lineup
According to reports cited by Forbes, Apple may introduce a lower-cost iPhone 17e shortly before the next flagship cycle, hinting at a two-phase release approach. Under this plan, the iphone 18 pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max would launch first, followed later by the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2.
iPhone 18 Pro: Major Upgrades
YouTuber Jon Prosser of Front Page Tech claims Apple is preparing major changes for the iPhone 18 series. The iphone 18 pro is expected to feature under-display Face ID, a redesigned Dynamic Island, a variable-aperture camera system, satellite-enabled 5G, and new in-house processors.
Display and Design Updates
Tipster Digital Chat Station reports that the iPhone 18 may feature a 6.27-inch LTPO display with a 120Hz refresh rate, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to retain a 6.9-inch screen similar to the iPhone 17 Pro.
The standard iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 are expected to keep Dynamic Island and 120Hz LTPO displays, with 6.3-inch and 6.5-inch screens, respectively. From the front, the iphone 18 pro is expected to introduce under-display Face ID, while the rear design may remain largely unchanged. Rumoured colour options include burgundy, brown, and purple, with burgundy highlighted in leaks.
Display sizes
- iPhone 18: 6.3-inch LTPO, 120Hz, Dynamic Island
- iPhone Air 2: 6.5-inch LTPO, 120Hz, Dynamic Island
- iPhone 18 Pro: 6.3-inch LTPO, 120Hz, under-screen Face ID
- iPhone 18 Pro Max: 6.9-inch LTPO, 120Hz, under-screen Face ID
iPhone 18 Pro: Camera Upgrades
The iphone 18 pro is expected to feature a variable-aperture main camera that adjusts automatically, opening wider in low light, closing in bright conditions, and delivering more natural background blur. This feature may be exclusive to the Pro Max model.
Apple is also reportedly simplifying the camera control button by removing capacitive touch and keeping only pressure sensitivity, potentially improving usability and reducing manufacturing costs.
Satellite-Based 5G
Apple is reportedly working on satellite-based 5G capabilities that go beyond emergency SOS. If implemented, the technology could allow basic network access in areas without traditional coverage, though it remains a long-term project.
New Chips and Modems
The iphone 18 pro series is expected to run on the A20 Pro chip, built on a 2nm process for improved performance and energy efficiency. Apple is also expected to introduce its C2 modem in Pro models, replacing Qualcomm chips to deliver faster and more efficient connectivity.
Design and Battery Updates
Apple may replace the capacitive camera control button with a pressure-sensitive mechanism for improved reliability and tactile feedback. The iphone 18 pro is expected to feature a 6.3-inch display, while the Pro Max variant could include a larger 5,100mAh battery. Battery details for the standard Pro model have not yet been confirmed.
With under-display Face ID, major camera changes, new chips, and satellite-based connectivity in development, the iphone 18 pro is shaping up to be one of Apple’s most ambitious upgrades in years, setting the tone for the future of the iPhone lineup.
Source: Gulf News
