Apple is preparing substantial changes to the design and technology of its smartphone line with the launch of the iPhone 18 Entre the main new features are the complete removal of the Dynamic Island, the adoption of a front camera under the screen and the return of a partially translucent design.
The new features center on a partially transparent exterior and the long-awaited elimination of the screen cutout, which will be replaced by under-display front camera technology. Além of the visual changes, the new generation promises important updates to the camera system, processor performance and battery life. Apesar of the transformation, the new devices must maintain the already known screen sizes: 6.3 inches for the iPhone 18 Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max version. The rear camera module, although with internal improvements, should preserve the general appearance of the previous generation, maintaining the visual identity of the line.
A design that honors the legacy of Apple
The inspiration for the new look came from Macintosh computers from the late 90s, such as the iMac G3 and the iBook, which stood out for their colorful and semi-transparent body. The main aesthetic novelty of the iPhone 18 Pro will be a translucent glass section located on the back of the device, specifically in the MagSafe charging ring area. Essa “window” will allow you to view some internal components, such as the wireless charging coil and other circuits, creating a distinct and technological visual effect. Especialistas from the industry interpret this decision as a strategic maneuver by Apple to reinforce the premium identity of its products. By integrating elements that nod to its past commercial successes, the company not only differentiates itself from competitors, but also strengthens the emotional connection with its most loyal consumer base, evoking nostalgia for the era of Steve Jobs, a period in which Apple established itself as an icon of industrial design.
The future of the screen without the Dynamic Island
One of the most anticipated transformations for the 2026 Pro line is the elimination of the cutout known as Dynamic Island, introduced on the iPhone 14 Pro. Apple is testing a solution that positions the selfie camera directly under the display, making it practically invisible when not in use.
The sensors required for the Face ID facial recognition system will also be positioned under the screen, although they should not be completely invisible. The development of these panels involves a partnership with Samsung Display, which will provide enhanced OLED displays while maintaining the 120 Hz ProMotion refresh rate to ensure fluid animations and scrolling.
More on this story: Revolution in iPhone 18 Pro: Apple confirms transparent design and long-awaited under-screen camera
Main camera with variable aperture technology
The iPhone 18 Pro camera system will receive significant improvements, including a main sensor with adjustable aperture, a technology that offers unprecedented control over light flow and depth of field.
This functionality, already present in competitor devices such as the Samsung and Huawei, will allow users to manually adjust the lens aperture within a range of f/1.4 to f/2.0. A wider aperture, such as f/1.4, is ideal for low-light conditions, allowing you to capture more information and reduce noise, as well as creating more natural bokeh in portraits.
In addition to this new function, the telephoto lens must support 48 MP resolution with 5x optical zoom, while the ultra-wide lens will receive an improved stabilization system for more stable photos and videos. The ability to record 8K video at 60 frames per second is also a real possibility.
On the same topic: Apple reduces price of iPhone 18 Pro for 2026 with A20 chip
Power and efficiency with the A20 Pro chip
Many of the new features, especially improvements in image and video processing, will be enabled by the A20 Pro chip. Este new processor, manufactured using a 2 nanometer process, promises a significant leap in performance and energy efficiency.
The higher transistor density will allow the chip to perform artificial intelligence and machine learning tasks faster.
This has a direct impact on functions like Cinema mode and computational photography, which rely on intensive real-time processing.
The A20 Pro’s new architecture will be crucial to managing the complex algorithms required for the under-display camera and variable aperture image processing, ensuring the user experience is fluid and responsive.
Learn more: IPhone 18 Pro features variable aperture camera and expanded battery
Battery optimizations and new cooling system
The autonomy and durability of the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be reinforced by the use of a battery with a stainless steel body, which will replace the aluminum used in previous models. Essa structural change not only increases impact resistance by approximately 20%, but also improves heat dissipation by approximately 15%, allowing the device to maintain peak performance for longer during intensive tasks. The battery capacity should also be increased, reaching up to 4800 mAh in the Pro Max model, which guarantees up to 30 hours of mixed use.
This improvement is complemented by a new 5G modem, developed by the company itself, which promises to be more efficient in energy consumption. The commitment to sustainable development is also an important factor: the company plans to use 95% recycled materials in battery blocks, reinforcing its environmental goals and reducing dependence on primary resources for the production of components essential for the device’s operation.
New launch strategy for the entire line
In the 2026 and 2027 cycles, Apple plans to change its launch schedule. The iPhone 18 models Pro and Pro Max, as usual, will hit the market in September 2026. However, the models Standard and
This strategic division allows the company to focus its most advanced innovations on the Pro models, making them the main event of the year. At the same time, it creates a separate launch window for the most affordable models, avoiding sales cannibalization and giving each line its own prominence in the market.
Technical details and feasibility of the new construction
The use of a partially transparent backplate raises questions about durability and signal interference. However, sources linked to the production chain claim that the prototypes have already undergone rigorous testing and that the structure does not affect the reception of cell phone signals, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, thanks to the use of layers of filters and specialized materials. The IP68 certification for protection against water and dust will also be maintained, ensuring the device’s robustness in daily use.