Apple’s next flagship lineup is already generating massive buzz, and the iPhone 18 Pro could introduce one of the most meaningful front-design changes in years. According to multiple reports and new leaks, Apple may finally bring under-display Face ID to the iPhone, while also shifting the selfie camera to the top-left corner—a major move from the current centered layout.
If these rumors turn out to be true, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could feel like a fresh leap forward, not just in performance, but also in screen design and camera technology.
Here’s a deep, easy-to-understand breakdown of everything we know so far about the iPhone 18 Pro design changes, Dynamic Island update, camera upgrades, A20 Pro chip, new Apple modem (C2), satellite 5G support, and the expected release timeline.
iPhone 18 Pro Highlights (Leaks & Early Reports)
- Under-display Face ID may finally debut
- Front camera may shift to the top-left corner
- Dynamic Island could remain, but smaller or repositioned
- New A20 Pro chipset possibly built on 2nm process
- Variable aperture camera may arrive (likely Pro Max exclusive)
- Apple C2 modem could improve connectivity and battery life
- Potential support for 5G via satellite
- New color options rumored: Burgundy, Purple, Brown/Coffee
Apple May Change the iPhone Launch Schedule (Big Shift Rumored)
One of the biggest rumors around Apple’s roadmap is the possibility of a split iPhone release strategy.
Some leaks suggest Apple may launch:
- iPhone 18 Pro
- iPhone 18 Pro Max
- iPhone Fold (foldable iPhone)
…in late 2026, while the regular iPhone 18 could arrive later in spring 2027, alongside devices like:
- iPhone 17e
- iPhone Air 2
If Apple adopts this plan, it would be the biggest change to its iPhone release schedule in a long time—and could clearly push the Pro models as the “main event.”
Under-Display Face ID: The Most Exciting iPhone 18 Pro Upgrade?
For years, iPhone users have wanted Apple to eliminate or reduce the size of screen cutouts. Now, multiple sources suggest Apple may finally implement under-screen Face ID on the iPhone 18 Pro models.
How it may work:
- The Face ID sensors will sit under the display
- The sensors will operate through special display areas that allow them to “see” through the screen
- This could reduce the need for a big cutout on the display
This is a massive step towards a cleaner “all-screen iPhone” design.
Selfie Camera May Move to the Top-Left Corner
Leaks suggest the iPhone 18 Pro’s selfie camera could shift to the top-left corner, similar to what we’ve seen on many Android flagships.
This would be a major design change because:
- iPhones currently place the camera in the center
- Apple’s front camera system is deeply tied to Face ID + Dynamic Island
- Moving the camera may also force changes in iOS UI behavior
Will Dynamic Island Be Removed? Probably Not.
A big question after these leaks: If Face ID moves under the screen, will Apple remove Dynamic Island?
According to Jon Prosser (Front Page Tech), Dynamic Island will still be there, but:
- it may become smaller
- it may shift slightly in position
- it will continue functioning the same
This makes sense, because Dynamic Island is now a signature iPhone feature and heavily integrated into iOS software. Apple likely doesn’t want to remove something that defines the Pro experience.
iPhone 18 Pro Design: Subtle Changes, Premium Finish
Most leaks agree Apple won’t do a complete redesign, but we may see refinements like:
- slightly revised camera bump/plateau
- improved rear glass finish
- more unified back panel appearance (less two-tone look)
A popular rumor from Weibo suggests the iPhone 18 Pro may include a “subtle transparent finish” on the rear glass for a premium modern look.
New iPhone 18 Pro Colors: Burgundy, Purple & Brown
Apple experimented with bold colors recently (like the rumored bright orange iPhone 17 Pro Max). This year, Apple may go with more premium and classy tones.
Expected colors include:
- Burgundy
- Purple
- Brown / Coffee
A coffee brown iPhone Pro might sound unusual—but premium earthy tones are trending in 2026 flagship phones.
iPhone 18 Pro Camera Upgrades: Variable Aperture Rumored
One of the most exciting reports is that the iPhone 18 Pro Max may adopt a variable aperture camera system—a feature typically found in professional cameras.
What is variable aperture?
Aperture controls how much light enters the camera lens.
With variable aperture, the iPhone can:
- allow more light for better low-light photography
- improve portrait background blur
- produce sharper landscapes by narrowing aperture
- reduce noise in night photos
This could dramatically improve:
✅ Night photography
✅ DSLR-style portraits
✅ Depth-of-field control
✅ Video performance
Some reports suggest this feature may be exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Camera Control Button: Cheaper to Build, Easier to Repair
Apple’s Camera Control button is expected to remain, but leaks suggest Apple may simplify it by making it:
- pressure-sensitive only (no capacitive functions)
This could:
- lower manufacturing cost
- improve durability
- make repairs easier
A20 Pro Chip: First iPhone With a 2nm Processor?
Performance improvements could be huge this year.
The iPhone 18 Pro lineup may feature the A20 Pro chip, reportedly using a 2nm process, which could bring:
- faster CPU & GPU performance
- better battery efficiency
- stronger AI processing
- cooler sustained performance
If Apple successfully ships a 2nm chip, this could be a major leap in flagship smartphone performance.
New Apple C2 Modem & Better Connectivity
Reports also suggest Apple may use its second-generation in-house modem:
- Apple C2 modem
This could improve:
- network stability
- 5G speed consistency
- power efficiency
- signal handling in weak areas
Satellite 5G Support: The Wildest iPhone Rumor Yet
One of the most interesting rumors is that Apple may introduce:
5G via Satellite
Meaning the iPhone 18 Pro models might connect to satellite-based 5G networks—beyond emergency SOS or basic texting.
If true, this could allow iPhone users to stay connected even in:
- remote areas
- highways without towers
- mountains/deserts
- disaster zones
This would be a huge upgrade for:
✅ travelers
✅ military use
✅ emergency response
✅ outdoor creators
iPhone 18 Pro Release Date (Expected)
While Apple hasn’t confirmed anything yet, leaks suggest we could see:
- iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max launch: September 2026
- Base iPhone 18 launch: Spring 2027 (Feb/March)
Apple may split the lineup to keep attention focused and boost Pro sales.
Final Thoughts: iPhone 18 Pro Could Be the Biggest Upgrade in Years
The iPhone 18 Pro series is shaping up to be one of Apple’s most exciting Pro upgrades in a long time.
If Apple delivers:
- under-display Face ID
- repositioned selfie camera
- refined Dynamic Island
- major camera innovations
- A20 Pro 2nm performance leap
- new modem + satellite 5G
…then the iPhone 18 Pro could become the best iPhone to buy in 2026, especially for users who want premium design, next-gen cameras, and long-term performance.