The iPhone 17 lineup is yet to get in the hands of customers, but attention is already shifting to Apple’s 2026 flagship. According to early reports, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will maintain much of the current design language while introducing subtle yet significant changes.
A reliable leaker on Weibo known as Digital Chat Station claims the new models will keep the same rear camera plateau with three lenses arranged in a triangular layout, similar to the iPhone 17 Pro. The Pro and Pro Max are also expected to stick with the 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes that Apple has standardized since the iPhone 16 generation. The most eye-catching detail is the claim that the Ceramic Shield area around the MagSafe ring on the back will feature a “slightly transparent design,” suggesting a unique aesthetic shift without straying too far from Apple’s existing style.
Another notable hardware change is said to be a stainless steel vapor chamber cooling system. Apple introduced vapor chamber cooling in the iPhone 17 Pro, but the iPhone 18 Pro could refine the material design for better thermal management. As with many early leaks, this detail may only be confirmed through teardowns closer to launch.
Beyond design, Commercial Times reports that the iPhone 18 Pro models will debut Apple’s A20 Pro processor, built on TSMC’s advanced 2nm process. The chipset is expected to deliver major improvements in performance and efficiency, continuing Apple’s tradition of annual silicon upgrades. Additionally, the devices are rumored to ship with Apple’s in-house C2 modem, marking a further step away from reliance on Qualcomm.
Other sources have suggested a smaller Dynamic Island for the Pro models, although under-display Face ID is still not expected next year. This indicates Apple may focus on refining current design elements rather than pushing radical new hardware changes.
While these details provide an early glimpse of the iPhone 18 Pro, it’s important to note that final specifications are still a year away from being locked in. Apple often adjusts prototypes during development, so some of these features may evolve before the official unveiling in 2026.
via MacRumors
