Apple is preparing significant changes to the design of its smartphone lineup with the launch of the iPhone 18
The main new features focus on a partially transparent look and the long-awaited removal of the Dynamic Island cutout, which will be replaced by an under-screen front camera technology. Além of the visual changes, the new generation promises important updates to the camera system, processor performance and battery life, reinforcing the Apple’s position in the premium segment.
Despite the transformations, 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, must preserve the external design compared to 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 iBook, which stood out for their colorful and semi-transparent chassis. The strategy seems to be to evoke nostalgia for the era of Steve Jobs, a period in which Apple established itself as a reference in industrial design. The main aesthetic novelty of the iPhone 18 Pro will be a transparent glass section on the back of the device, located around the MagSafe charging coil. Essa window will allow you to view some internal components, such as the wireless charging coil itself and other circuits, creating a distinct and technical visual effect. Especialistas in the sector interpret this decision as a strategic maneuver by Apple to strengthen 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 reinforces the emotional connection with its most loyal consumer base. Essa choice contrasts with the approaches of other manufacturers, which use luminous elements, opting for a more sober and elegant solution, which aims to offer unique design details without compromising the structural integrity or protection of the device against damage and weather conditions.
More on this story: Revolution in iPhone 18 Pro: Apple confirms transparent design and long-awaited under-screen camera
The screen of the future without the Dynamic Island
One of the most anticipated transformations in 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 under the display, making it practically invisible when not in use. According to estimates, this change will increase the viewing area by approximately 5% compared to current models, providing a more immersive experience for content consumption, gaming and browsing.
The sensors needed for the Face ID facial recognition system will also be under the screen, although they should not be completely invisible, which postpones the arrival of a completely borderless screen for future generations. 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 smooth animations and scrolling.
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Cameras with professional enhancements
The iPhone 18 Pro camera system will receive significant improvements with the inclusion of a main sensor with variable aperture, a technology that offers unprecedented control over light input 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.
In practice, a larger 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 a more natural background blur (bokeh) in portraits. On the other hand, a smaller aperture, such as f/2.0, is useful for landscape or group photography where you want to keep a larger area of the image in focus.
In addition to this new feature, the telephoto module must support 48 MP resolution with 5x optical zoom, while the ultra-angular 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, driven by the processing power of the upcoming A20 Pro chip.
Learn more: IPhone 18 Pro features variable aperture camera and expanded battery
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. Isso is crucial for functions like Modo Cinema, computational photography, and future operating system integration.
The hardware launch will be accompanied by the debut of iOS 27, the new version of the Apple operating system. Integration between new software and hardware will be critical and will require precise calibration for features like the variable aperture camera to work intuitively and reliably.
Battery and cooling system optimization
The autonomy and durability of the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be reinforced by the use of a battery with a stainless steel housing, which will replace the aluminum one 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.
According to internal tests by Apple, the battery capacity should also be increased, reaching 4,800 mAh in the Pro Max model, which would guarantee up to 30 hours of mixed use. Essa 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 sustainability is also an important factor: the company plans to use 95% recycled materials in battery blocks.
New launch strategy for the entire line
In the 2026 and 2027 cycle, Apple plans to change its launch schedule. The iPhone 18 models Pro and accessible.
On the same topic: Apple reduces price of iPhone 18 Pro for 2026 with A20 chip
Technical details and feasibility of the new design
The implementation of a partially transparent backplane 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 design does not affect the reception of cell phone signals, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Isso is possible thanks to the use of layers of filters and specialized materials, permeable to radio waves.
IP68 certification for protection against water and dust will also be maintained, ensuring the device’s reliability in daily use. The titanium chassis, which offers lightness and strength, will be maintained in the Pro models, and the company is expected to reintroduce classic colors with a modern finish, as an updated version of the Jet Black.