There may still be nearly seven months until Apple launches the iPhone 18 Pro series, but that hasn’t stopped leaks from giving us early hopes for the 2026 flagship phone. Over the past few weeks, multiple reports have pointed in the same direction, suggesting visible changes on the front, a thorough camera upgrade, and internal tweaks aimed at improving performance and battery life. For users already considering whether to upgrade right away or hold off for another cycle, these early photos of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max give you plenty to think about. We will also take a look at the price predictions for future models. Here are the details:
iPhone 18 Pro Max, 18 Pro leaks: battery, camera, design, release, price and other details
Design: Are there any updates?
One of the most talked about changes is the front design. Apple has relied on pill-shaped cutouts and dynamic islands for generations, but that may finally be starting to change. Leaked renders and early test units suggest that Apple is experimenting with moving the Face ID component below the display. If this works as planned, the visible notch could be reduced to a single hole for the front-facing camera. Interestingly, the camera is placed closer to the top left corner instead of in the center, making the phone look noticeably different from current iPhones.
Dynamic islands are not expected to disappear completely. Instead, Apple seems to be reworking it into more subtle elements. Leaks suggest it could be placed closer to the front camera to take up less space and support the live activities, navigation cues, and music controls that users are accustomed to, while being less intrusive during daily use.
On the other hand, Apple doesn’t seem to be interested in reinventing the wheel. iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are likely to keep the triple camera setup on a raised module. That said, small improvements are expected. The report mentions tweaks to the back glass finish and how it blends into the aluminum frame. There’s also talk of new color options for the Pro lineup, with darker shades like deep purple, burgundy, and even a coffee-like brown being tested in-house.
camera?
But cameras are an area where Apple could make more of an effort. One of the more interesting leaks points to a variable aperture system for the main camera. Unlike the fixed aperture used in current iPhones, a mechanical aperture allows you to adjust the amount of light the lens lets in. This potentially allows for more natural background blur and better low-light shots without relying entirely on software processing. However, some reports suggest that not all models have this feature, and that it may only be a feature of the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Another expected upgrade is a new three-layer stacked image sensor that is said to be sourced from Samsung. This sensor design potentially increases readout speed, reduces image noise, and provides better dynamic range. In addition to this, both the main and telephoto cameras have larger apertures, which should help with night-time photography and video recording, which Apple continues to focus on.
Chipset, battery and connectivity
Inside the phone, Apple is expected to introduce the A20 Pro chipset. Built on TSMC’s upcoming 2nm process, the chip is said to use a new packaging method in which RAM is placed directly on the same wafer as the CPU, GPU, and neural engine. This tight integration has the potential to improve speed, efficiency, and thermal management. Early estimates suggest around 15% better performance and up to 30% more power efficiency compared to the previous generation, and more advanced Apple Intelligence features may also be supported.
This internal redesign could also free up space within the chassis. Apple could use the extra space to improve cooling or include a larger battery. Battery upgrades are already being discussed, especially for the Pro Max model. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is said to be slightly thicker to accommodate a battery of approximately 5,100mAh. This could push the weight over 240 grams, making it heavier than previous models, but many users may be willing to accept that trade-off for better battery life.
Connectivity is another area where changes are expected. The iPhone 18 Pro Max may be equipped with Apple’s next-generation C2 modem. If accurate, this would bring back mmWave 5G support to Apple’s internal modem lineup and improve network performance in regions where mmWave is available.
screen
As for the display, the size may not change. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to keep a 6.3-inch screen, while the Pro Max is likely to keep a 6.9-inch panel. There is still disagreement among sources as to whether Dynamic Island will be completely removed or simply scaled back, but most reports agree that the front looks cleaner than before.
iPhone 18 Pro Max, 18 Pro: Price prediction
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September 2026, following its normal launch cycle. However, pricing remains a big question mark. With the iPhone 17 Pro already priced at Rs 134,900 and the Pro Max priced at Rs 149,900 in India, Apple may be wary of raising the price further. The iPhone 17 price hike has already narrowed the scope for further significant price increases, especially in price-sensitive markets like India.
Considering previous trends, Apple may choose to maintain roughly similar pricing for its iPhone 18 Pro lineup to avoid further pressure on buyers and remain competitive against premium Android flagship products. That said, factors such as component cost, memory pricing, and supply chain constraints may impact the final number. As usual, Apple is unlikely to confirm anything until much closer to launch, leaving these early leaks as a glimpse into what could be a meaningful upgrade cycle for the iPhone.
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