Apple will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first iPhone’s release in about a year. Apple typically trails Samsung in global sales and is just slightly ahead of Chinese phone manufacturers like Xiaomi, despite selling more phones in the US than competing Android phones. With the upcoming iPhone and generating interest in a potential foldable gadget, like the rumored iPhone Fold, Apple has a lot on the line. Dynamic Island downsizing and the potential for the iPhone 18 and 18 Pro to share RAM with the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are already among the most popular speculations.
Additionally, there are rumors that Apple may split the release of its iPhone 18 series, releasing more entry-level versions next year and the luxury models this year. Here are all the rumors and leaks we’ve found on the possible iPhone 18 series.
Latest rumors: iPhone 18 design differences
The original iPhone 18, the iPhone 18 Pro, and the iPhone 18 Pro Max are reportedly the three variants that will be available. Additionally, there might be iPhone models that are not part of this series, such as the much-discussed folding iPhone or a second-generation Air. If you consider the also-rumored 18E, that may indicate that six iPhone models are in development.
Every year, iPhone designs tend to stay the same, and current rumors indicate that this pattern will continue. The three phones appear to have the same screen sizes—6.3 and 6.9 inches, respectively—with only slight variations in the back camera bumps. Additionally, a Weibo source seems to suggest that Apple has extremely strict brightness criteria, which could lead to problems with OLED supply. Some people believe it has a considerably brighter screen because of this.
According to rumors, the Pro and Pro Max will keep the bigger “plateau” to house their three back cameras, while the regular iPhone 18 will have a smaller camera hump than its predecessor.
The Pro model may receive a “subtle transparent finish” on the back glass panel, according to a leak via the Chinese social media platform Weibo. According to a Chinese leaker, the iPhone 18 Pro’s current two-tone appearance might be more cohesive. It may also have a thicker, heavier build, according to certain speculations.
Additionally, it may be available in three new color options: burgundy, purple, and coffee. However, coffee brown may seem like a strange choice for a phone hue, our own Patrick Holland is amenable to the idea. According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple may also be thinking about using a deep red hue for its iPhone 18 series. But as he notes, coffee brown, purple, burgundy, and deep red are probably all permutations of the same red concept. One of these hues might be the only one to survive manufacture.
Other rumors suggest that changes may be coming to the iPhone’s Dynamic Island. Gurman and Weibo user Digital Chat Station suggest that Apple may reduce the size of the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 18 models. This could result in a small pinhole cutout for the camera, as the Face ID sensors may be located beneath the display.
The Information also recently reported that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature under-screen Face ID, confirming the Bloomberg rumor. Additionally, the outlet also said that the front camera would be moved to the top left corner of the screen and, as a result, would be missing the Dynamic Island cutout. The account Ice Universe disputes that assertion, claiming that the Dynamic Island cutout on the iPhone 18 Pro models will still be present but will be “approximately 35% narrower” than it is on the current iPhone 17 Pro models.
This relates to the Dynamic Island’s default appearance, which expands based on Live Activities or other data, just as the current Dynamic Island. According to MacRumors, the new iPhone will only offer partial under-screen Face ID, which still necessitates the presence of a Dynamic Island.
Features expected to be in the new iPhone
Under-display Face ID
After making the notch popular, Apple unveiled the Dynamic Island. Both functions allowed the display to stretch to the top of the phone while combining the front camera and Face ID sensors. Apple now wants to alter that.
According to reports, the 20th anniversary iPhone Pro, which will be released in 2027, would have a display with absolutely no cuts. The Face ID sensors and the front camera will be located beneath the screen. Apple is reportedly relocating the Face ID setup beneath the display with the iPhone 18 next year in anticipation of that model.
Variable aperture for the camera
Apple is reportedly implementing a variable aperture for its primary camera with the iPhone 18 series because they are dissatisfied with the iPhone 17 Pro’s new rear camera island. With a variable aperture, users will be able to precisely regulate the amount of light that reaches the sensor. You can choose a larger aperture for more detailed shots in gloomy settings.
Reports state that Samsung is reintroducing a back camera island on the Galaxy S26 Ultra due to a larger aperture. If the claims are correct, the iPhone 18 will allow you complete control, but this will still be a fixed aperture.
This is going to be one of the most major upgrades to the iPhone in years, and is well worth the wait if you’re passionate about the photos that you take with your phone.
New A20 chip built on a 2nm process
The A20 chip, Apple’s first made with a 2-nanometer manufacturing technique, is anticipated to power the iPhone 18. Although that might sound complex, there are two main advantages: increased power efficiency and speedier performance.
According to leaked benchmarks, the A20 may be 30% less energy-intensive and 15% faster than its predecessor, the A19.
Additionally, smaller nodes allow for better heat management, which prolongs battery life by keeping the device cooler during periods of high usage. Consumers may anticipate an iPhone that is not only more potent but also cooler and more durable—the perfect combo.
Apple’s custom C2 5G modem
Apple’s internal C2 modem, which comes after the C1 chip found in the iPhone 16e, is another intriguing rumor.
The C2 modem, which is anticipated to be included in the iPhone 18 series, is a significant step toward lessening Apple’s need on Qualcomm.
It is expected to provide better energy management, quicker download rates through carrier aggregation, and enhanced mmWave 5G capabilities.
This internal hardware modification would improve overall performance and allow Apple more control over integration and optimization, despite not being particularly eye-catching.
Base iPhone 18 could get 12GB RAM
According to MacRumors, a memory boost to 12GB RAM would be perhaps the biggest performance improvement for the basic iPhone 18.
Only the iPhone 17 Pro series has 8GB of RAM at the moment. The base model would be comparable to many high-end smartphones if it were upgraded to 12GB.
As Apple continues to include cutting-edge AI and “Apple Intelligence” technologies into its products, this update becomes even more crucial. An increase in RAM will probably be necessary to adequately support the upcoming generation of on-device AI
Even if the iPhone 18 might not bring about a significant redesign, particularly in light of the significant camera and display modifications made with the iPhone 17, it appears to be a sophisticated and clever version. A more effective 2nm CPU, a proprietary modem, the elimination of Dynamic Island, and notable RAM increases all suggest that this iPhone has been carefully designed for consumers who desire power and style without the Pro price tag.
The iPhone 18 is expected to continue to be one of the most anticipated Apple products to date, even if the wait is prolonged until 2027. Its position is simple, but it is anything but conventional.
