Apple is preparing significant changes to the design of its smartphone line 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 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 design of the previous generation, maintaining the visual identity of the line.
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More on this story: Revolution in iPhone 18 Pro: Apple confirms transparent design and long-awaited under-screen camera
A design that honors the legacy of Apple
The source of inspiration for the new look were Macintosh computers from the late 90s, such as the iMac G3 and iBook, which stood out for their colorful and semi-transparent bodies. 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 section of transparent glass located on the back of the device, precisely in the area of the MagSafe charging ring. Essa window will allow you to view some internal components, such as the wireless charging coil and other circuits, creating a distinct and sophisticated visual effect. Especialistas from the industry interpret this decision as a strategic maneuver by Apple to strengthen the premium identity of its products. By integrating elements that refer to its past commercial successes, the company not only differentiates itself from competitors, but also strengthens the emotional bond with its most loyal consumer base. Essa approach contrasts with solutions from other manufacturers that use luminous elements, opting for a more sober and elegant feature that offers unique design details without compromising the structural integrity or protection of the device against damage and weather conditions.
The screen of the future 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 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 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. Under-display camera technology represents a complex technical challenge as it requires the panel to be transparent enough to allow light to pass through without distorting the image captured by the lens. The sensors needed for the Face ID facial recognition system will also be under the screen, although they may not be completely invisible, which postpones the arrival of a completely borderless screen for future generations.
Main camera with variable aperture technology
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. Além of this new feature, the telephoto module must support 48 MP resolution with 5x optical zoom, and the ultra-wide lens will receive an improved stabilization system for more stable photos and videos.
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 with a 2 nanometer process, promises a significant leap in performance and energy efficiency.
Learn more: IPhone 18 Pro features variable aperture camera and expanded battery
The higher transistor density will allow the chip to perform artificial intelligence and machine learning tasks faster. Isso is crucial for functions such as cinema mode, computational photography and future integration with the operating system.
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 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 will 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 sustainable development is also an important factor: the company plans to use 95% recycled materials in battery blocks.
New launch strategy for the entire line
For the 2026 and 2027 cycle, Apple plans to change its launch schedule. The iPhone 18 models Pro and Pro Max will hit the market in September 2026, while the Standard and Plus models will launch in spring 2027. accessible.
Technical details and feasibility of the new construction
The implementation of a partially transparent back raises questions about durability and signal interference. However, sources linked to the production chain claim that the prototypes have already undergone rigorous testing.
The construction does not affect the reception of cellular, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth signals. Isso is possible thanks to the use of layers of filters and specialized materials that are permeable to radio waves.
On the same topic: Apple reduces price of iPhone 18 Pro for 2026 with A20 chip
The IP68 certification for protection against water and dust will also be maintained, ensuring the device’s robustness in daily use.
The titanium chassis, which provides 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.