Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro lineup is still more than a year away, but a new report is already offering a clearer picture of what the company has planned.
According to a report by The Information, Apple is preparing some of the most meaningful front-facing and internal changes to the iPhone in years, even if the overall design remains familiar.
Under-Screen Face ID Changes the Front of the iPhone
One of the biggest takeaways from the report is that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will reportedly move Face ID components under the display.
With Face ID hardware hidden beneath the screen, Apple plans to relocate the front-facing camera to a small hole in the top-left corner of the display. As a result, the pill-shaped Dynamic Island cutout would no longer be present on the iPhone 18 Pro models.
Despite this internal shift, the report notes that the phones will still look broadly similar to the iPhone 17 Pro from a distance. This suggests Apple is prioritizing subtle refinements over a dramatic redesign, at least for now.
Variable Aperture Camera Could Offer More Control
Another notable change may arrive on the back of the device.
Apple is said to be adding a mechanical aperture to at least one rear camera on the iPhone 18 Pro. This would allow users to adjust how much light enters the lens, instead of relying on a fixed aperture as current iPhones do.
If implemented as expected, the main 48 megapixel camera would let users manually control depth of field and light intake. While smartphone sensors are still physically small compared to traditional cameras, this feature could offer more flexibility in bright conditions and improved creative control for photography enthusiasts.
Worth checkinng out: Massive iOS 26 Leak Reveals Apple’s Hardware and Software Plans Through 2027
A20 Pro Chip Brings Major Internal Upgrades
Internally, the iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to debut Apple’s A20 Pro chip, built on TSMC’s 2 nanometer process.
The report highlights a significant packaging change, with Apple integrating RAM directly onto the chip itself rather than placing it adjacent to the processor. This approach could improve performance, efficiency, and thermal management, while also freeing up internal space for other components.
In practical terms, users could see faster everyday performance, better Apple Intelligence capabilities, and improved battery life.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September 2026. If these leaks hold up, the lineup could mark a quiet but important transition, especially as Apple moves closer to a cleaner front display and more advanced camera hardware.
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