Apple’s next-generation flagship, the iPhone 18 Pro, is shaping up to be one of the most consequential upgrades in the product’s history, according to emerging industry reports. The device, expected to debut in 2026, is tipped to introduce under-display Face ID, a redesigned front camera layout, a mechanically adjustable camera aperture, and a powerful new A20 Pro chip built on a 2-nanometer process.
If these changes materialize, the iPhone 18 Pro could mark Apple’s most ambitious rethinking of the iPhone’s core architecture in years—one that prioritizes a cleaner display, greater photographic control, and a major leap in on-device performance.
A Cleaner Front: Face ID Moves Under the Display
One of the most striking changes reportedly planned for the iPhone 18 Pro is the relocation of Face ID sensors beneath the display. This would be the first time Apple deploys under-screen facial recognition on the iPhone, removing the need for the familiar pill-shaped cutout at the top of the screen.
With Face ID components hidden under the panel, the front-facing camera is expected to shift to a small punch-hole positioned near the top-left corner of the display. This move could effectively signal the end of the Dynamic Island in its current form, ushering in a more uninterrupted viewing experience that aligns with Apple’s long-term vision of an all-screen iPhone.
Industry observers see this as a critical milestone, as Apple has historically delayed adopting under-display technologies until they meet strict performance and security standards.
Pro Photography Takes a Leap with Variable Aperture
On the camera front, Apple is reportedly preparing a first-of-its-kind feature for the iPhone lineup: a variable aperture system on at least one rear camera.
Unlike current iPhones, which rely on fixed apertures, a mechanically adjustable aperture would allow users to control how much light enters the lens. This opens the door to improved low-light performance, more natural background blur, and greater creative flexibility—features long associated with professional cameras.
While smartphone sensors are still physically small compared to traditional cameras, the addition of a variable aperture could give photography enthusiasts more control over depth of field and exposure, reinforcing the “Pro” branding Apple has increasingly emphasized in recent years.
A20 Pro Chip: Apple’s Next Silicon Leap
Powering the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to be the A20 Pro chip, reportedly built using an advanced 2nm manufacturing process. Beyond the smaller process node, Apple is also said to be adopting a new chip packaging approach that integrates memory more closely with the processor.
This design could deliver noticeable gains in speed, energy efficiency, and thermal performance. It is also expected to significantly enhance Apple’s on-device artificial intelligence capabilities, supporting more advanced features without relying heavily on cloud processing.
For users, this may translate into smoother multitasking, longer battery life, and faster AI-driven tasks such as image processing, voice recognition, and real-time translations.
Familiar Design, Smarter Internals
Despite the major internal changes, the overall physical design of the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to remain broadly similar to recent Pro models. Apple appears focused on refining the experience rather than reinventing the exterior, betting that subtle visual changes combined with substantial internal upgrades will resonate with consumers.
The emphasis, according to analysts, is clearly on functionality: a more immersive display, professional-grade camera controls, and silicon that pushes the boundaries of mobile performance.
Expected Launch Timeline
Following Apple’s traditional release cycle, the iPhone 18 Pro is widely expected to be unveiled in September 2026. While the company has not confirmed any details, the depth and consistency of current reports suggest that key elements of this roadmap are already taking shape behind the scenes.
