Despite Apple’s plans to introduce its first foldable iPhone as part of the upcoming iPhone 18 series, industry expectations suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will remain the most popular models, thanks to a series of significant hardware and design upgrades.

According to a report by technology-focused website 9to5Mac, Apple is preparing to equip the iPhone 18 Pro lineup with six brand-new features when it launches in 2026, positioning it as one of the most advanced smartphones the company has ever produced.

Refined Design with a Modern Touch

While the overall dimensions are expected to remain similar to current models, Apple is reportedly planning three key design changes. The most notable is a smaller Dynamic Island, made possible by moving Face ID components beneath the display, resulting in the smallest screen cutout seen in years.

Apple is also expected to address the controversial two-tone rear design introduced with the iPhone 17 Pro by creating a more seamless blend between aluminum and glass. In addition, the company is testing new color options, including brown, purple, and burgundy, building on the success of bold colors in previous generations.

A20 Pro Chip: A Major Performance Leap

At the heart of the iPhone 18 Pro will be the A20 Pro chipset, Apple’s first processor built using 2nm technology. Combined with advanced WMCM packaging, the new chip is expected to deliver substantial gains in performance, power efficiency, and AI capabilities compared to the A19 Pro.

Variable Aperture Main Camera

Apple’s focus on photography continues, with reports suggesting that the iPhone 18 Pro will feature a variable aperture main camera, allowing users greater control over depth of field and image quality.

Longest Battery Life Ever in an iPhone

Following the positive reception of the iPhone 17 Pro battery improvements, Apple is expected to increase battery capacity once again. Leaks suggest the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be thicker and heavier to accommodate a larger battery, potentially offering the longest battery life in iPhone history.

Camera Control 2.0 and the New C2 Modem

Apple is also redesigning its Camera Control feature to make it more intuitive, while introducing the C2 modem, which is expected to deliver better 5G efficiency and improved battery performance compared to Qualcomm solutions.