Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro for 2026 could have translucent design and revolutionary under-screen camera
The Apple prepares one of the biggest aesthetic and technological transformations for the iPhone line, scheduled for launch in 2026. Rumores growing trends in the industry indicate that the iPhone 18
The planned changes are not limited to appearance. The company would be developing a new processor, the A20 Pro, manufactured using a 2 nanometer process, promising a significant leap in performance and energy efficiency. Essas innovations, combined with updates to the rear camera system and battery, position the iPhone 18 Pro as a milestone in the evolution of smartphones.
The launch strategy could also be changed, with Apple possibly adopting a staggered schedule. The Pro models would hit the market in the second half of 2026, while the standard and Plus versions would only be launched at the beginning of 2027, allowing the company to focus its most advanced technologies on high-end devices.
On the same topic: Revolution in iPhone 18 Pro: Apple confirms transparent design and long-awaited under-screen camera
Translucent design brings back the classic aesthetic of the Apple
Apple’s main bet for the iPhone 18 Essa choice would not only be nostalgic, but also functional, allowing users to subtly view some internal components of the device, such as the MagSafe wireless charging coil and possibly other elements of the logic board. Implementing this aesthetic would require new manufacturing processes to ensure durability and resistance to scratches and impacts, a considerable challenge for the company’s engineering. Fontes of the production chain suggest that Apple is testing different levels of opacity and textures for the glass, seeking a balance between revealing components and a sophisticated appearance. Essa visual language, described as “premium industrial”, aims to differentiate the iPhone in an increasingly homogeneous market, reinforcing the brand’s identity through a connection to its own legacy of design innovation.
The technology behind the invisible under-screen camera
One of the most anticipated advances for the iPhone line is the complete elimination of the screen cutout. Para the iPhone 18 Pro, the Apple would be finalizing the development of a front camera and the Face ID sensors positioned directly under the display. Quando inactive, these components would be completely invisible, providing a truly immersive and seamless viewing experience. The realization of this technology depends on close collaboration with suppliers such as Samsung Display, which would need to develop an OLED panel with selective transparency and high image quality.
The technical challenge is immense: the panel needs to allow enough light to pass through for the camera to capture high-quality photos and videos, without distorting colors or sharpness, while maintaining the brightness uniformity and color accuracy of the rest of the screen. Relatórios indicate that current display models with this technology still present a slight reduction in pixel density in the camera area, something that Apple seeks to avoid to maintain its quality standard. The expectation is that, by 2026, the technology will be mature enough to be implemented without compromising the user experience, representing the definitive end of the notch and the Dynamic Island.
Advances in the rear camera system
In addition to the innovation on the front, the rear camera system of the iPhone 18 Pro should also receive important improvements. The main one would be the introduction of a main sensor with variable aperture, a technology already present in some high-end competitors, such as the Samsung and Huawei. Essa capability would allow the user or the device’s software to manually adjust the lens aperture, usually between f/1.4 and f/2.0.
A wider aperture, such as f/1.4, captures more light, which is ideal for low-light situations and for creating a deeper depth of field effect, known as “bokeh,” which blurs the background and highlights the main subject. Já A smaller aperture, such as f/2.0, increases depth of field, keeping more of the scene in focus, which is useful for landscape or group photography.
This flexibility would give photographers much greater creative control, bringing the smartphone camera experience closer to that of a professional DSLR or mirrorless camera.
More on this story: IPhone 18 Pro features variable aperture camera and expanded battery
A20 Pro chip and the expected performance jump
The heart of the iPhone 18 Pro will be the new A20 Pro chip, which promises to be the first for the Essa transition represents a significant advance over the 3nm processes used in the latest chips.
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2 nm lithography allows more transistors to be allocated in the same physical space, resulting in a significant increase in both processing power and energy efficiency. Espera The A20 Pro is expected to offer up to 15% better performance in CPU tasks and up to 30% more battery consumption efficiency compared to the previous generation.
This extra power will be critical for performing complex artificial intelligence and machine learning tasks directly on the device, enhancing features such as Siri, photo processing and real-time translation.
Learn more: Apple develops iPhone 18 Pro with translucent back and front lens hidden under the display
For gamers, the new chip will guarantee the ability to run games with console graphics at high frame rates, further consolidating the iPhone as a high-performance gaming platform.
Battery with greater density and extended autonomy
Apple is also working on a new battery technology for the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Rumores point to the use of a new chemical compound and a stacked design that increases energy density. Isso means the battery can store more energy in the same physical volume or have the same performance in a smaller form factor.
Projections indicate that the Pro Max model could be equipped with a battery of up to 4,800 mAh, a considerable increase compared to current models. Combinado with the efficiency of the A20 Pro chip, this capacity could extend the device’s autonomy to up to 30 hours of continuous use, an important milestone for intensive users.
Learn more: Apple reduces price of iPhone 18 Pro for 2026 with A20 chip
Launch strategy and new deadlines
The Cupertino giant may be planning a change in its traditional annual launch strategy. Para the generation of iPhone 18, the models Pro and
This tiered approach would allow Apple to focus its production resources and latest innovations on premium models, creating even greater differentiation between lines. Além In addition, the measure would help optimize the supply chain and avoid shortages of advanced components in the initial launch.
Durability and other hardware upgrades
With a design that relies on translucent glass, durability becomes a central concern. Espera The Apple uses a new version of the Ceramic Shield, more resistant to drops and scratches, to protect both the screen and the back of the device. The IP68 water and dust resistance certification will be maintained, ensuring the robustness expected of a premium device.
