iPhone 18 Pro Launching Later This Year With These 10 New Features - MacRumors
Skip to Content

iPhone 18 Pro Launching Later This Year With These 10 New Features

While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not launching until September, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices.

Four iPhone 18 Pro Colors Mock Feature
It was initially reported that the iPhone 18 Pro models would have fully under-screen Face ID, with only a front camera visible in the top-left corner of the screen. However, the latest rumors indicate that only one Face ID component will be moved under the screen on the devices, which will result in merely a smaller Dynamic Island.

Below, we have recapped 10 features rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro models, as of May 2026:

  • Dark Cherry: The special color for the iPhone 18 Pro models will reportedly be Dark Cherry, alongside Light Blue, Dark Gray, and Silver. The existing Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue colors are expected to be discontinued.
  • Smaller Dynamic Island: It has been rumored that Face ID's flood illuminator will be moved under the screen on the iPhone 18 Pro models, paving the way for a smaller Dynamic Island on the devices.
  • LTPO+ Displays: The next Pro models are expected to have the same overall design as the iPhone 17 Pro models, including 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes and a "plateau" housing three rear cameras. However, the displays will reportedly use so-called LTPO+ display technology, which should contribute to longer battery life.
  • Variable Aperture: The main 48-megapixel Fusion camera on both iPhone 18 Pro models is rumored to have a variable aperture, which would allow users to control the amount of light that passes through the camera's lens and reaches the sensor. This would provide greater control over depth of field. However, given that iPhones have smaller image sensors due to smartphone size constraints, it is unclear exactly how meaningful this improvement would be.
  • A20 Pro Chip: Apple's next-generation A20 Pro chip is expected to use TSMC's first-generation 2nm process, whereas the A19 Pro chip is 3nm. With a 2nm architecture and a new packaging design, the A20 Pro chip should deliver solid year-over-year performance and power efficiency gains.
  • C2 Modem: Apple's custom C1 cellular modem for 5G and LTE debuted in the iPhone 16e last year, and that was followed by a C1X chip in the iPhone Air. Apple says the C1X modem is up to twice as fast as the C1 modem, and the most power-efficient modem in an iPhone ever. The improvements should continue with Apple's third-generation C2 modem in the iPhone 18 Pro models.
  • 5G via Satellite: With the C2 modem, the iPhone 18 Pro models will reportedly support 5G via satellite for web browsing without Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity.
  • N2 Chip: Most of the iPhone 17 models and the iPhone Air are equipped with an Apple-designed N1 chip that enables Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. Apple says the N1 chip also improves the overall performance and reliability of features like Personal Hotspot and AirDrop. iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to have Apple's next-generation N2 chip, but it is not yet known what improvements would come with this upgrade.
  • Simplified Camera Control: Apple is expected to simplify the Camera Control button on the iPhone 18 Pro models, by removing touch sensitivity and haptic feedback. The redesigned button will only have pressure sensitivity.
  • Redesigned Rear Ceramic Shield: The rear Ceramic Shield area for MagSafe is rumored to feature a more frosted and seamless appearance on the iPhone 18 Pro models compared to the current two-tone design.

Apple is expected to release the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a foldable iPhone in September, followed by a standard iPhone 18 model, a lower-end iPhone 18e, and a second-generation iPhone Air early next year.

Related Roundup: iPhone 18 Pro

Popular Stories

Four iPhone 18 Pro Colors Mock Feature

iPhone 18 Pro May Have 'Aggressive' Starting Price Despite RAM Crisis

Tuesday May 12, 2026 6:53 am PDT by
While the ongoing RAM chip shortage is leading some Android smartphone makers to increase prices, one analyst believes that Apple will take advantage of the situation with the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. In a research note with GF Securities today, analyst Jeff Pu said he expects Apple to outperform in the smartphone market by having an "aggressive pricing strategy" for the ...
Apple Wi Fi Chip Feature Navy

Apple's iPhone 18 Modem Switch Comes With a Quiet Privacy Benefit

Thursday May 14, 2026 4:23 pm PDT by
Rumors suggest Apple plans to expand Apple-designed modems to the entire iPhone 18 lineup, ending support for Qualcomm modems. The transition will bring speed and efficiency improvements, along with a little-known privacy benefit. In iOS 26.3, Apple added a Limit Precise Location setting that cuts down on the amount of location data that's available to mobile networks, improving user...
iphone 18 clear cases replica mydrivers

Apple Could Reverse Controversial Clear Case Design With iPhone 18 Pro

Friday May 22, 2026 9:18 am PDT by
Images of third-party clear cases for the iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max suggest there is a chance Apple may revert back to a more familiar MagSafe ring design, and away from the controversial opaque white panel introduced on last year's iPhone 17 Pro cases. The images have been circulating on Chinese social media and were spotted by MyDrivers. Where the iPhone 17 Pro clear...

Top Rated Comments

SmugMaverick Avatar
2 weeks ago
"Features" 🤣

new colours 🤣

cheaper camera control 🤣

frosted back glass 🤣

smaller Dynamic Island 🤣

is this how bad its got that we accept these as "features" and not just basic stuff ffs.

Apple have been drip feeding for nearly 8 years now, the Air is the only thing they've attempted to do something different with.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
k1121j Avatar
2 weeks ago
I guess I’ll hold on to my 14 pro another year. :-/
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple Mac Daz Avatar
2 weeks ago
Looking like holding on to my 16 PM another year
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Nerdlinger Avatar
2 weeks ago
Meh. I'll wait for something more significant. Might be a long wait...
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
2 weeks ago

"Features" 🤣

new colours 🤣

cheaper camera control 🤣

frosted back glass 🤣

smaller Dynamic Island 🤣

is this how bad its got that we accept these as "features" and not just basic stuff ffs.

Apple have been drip feeding for nearly 8 years now, the Air is the only thing they've attempted to do something different with.
I signed up just to say that I 100% agree with you. I'm skipping this one again. I'm ok with my 14 pro max for now. Maybe the foldable one? Will see...
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
2 weeks ago
Thin gruel again this year. Apple providing the bare minimum again. Because they can. Camera is probably the best improvement of the bunch.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)