IPhone 18 Pro from 2026 will have an under-screen camera and translucent design inspired by Apple classics
Apple is preparing significant changes to the design of its smartphone line with the launch of the iPhone 18, scheduled for 2026. The main new features focus on a partially transparent appearance and the long-awaited elimination of the Dynamic Island cutout, which will be replaced by a front camera technology under the screen.
In addition to the visual changes, the new generation promises important improvements in the camera system, processor performance and battery life, reinforcing the Apple’s position in the premium segment. These innovations are expected to set a new standard for the industry, combining nostalgia with cutting-edge technology.
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 updates, must preserve the appearance compared to the previous generation, maintaining the visual identity of the line.
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 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, showing that innovation can often revisit concepts that marked its history.
The main aesthetic novelty of the iPhone 18 Pro will be a transparent glass area on the back of the device, located in the region 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 technical visual effect. Executing this design requires advanced materials that guarantee durability and do not compromise the structural integrity of the device, a challenge that Apple engineers appear to have overcome in initial prototypes.
More on this story: Revolution in iPhone 18 Pro: Apple confirms transparent design and long-awaited under-screen camera
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 in the iPhone 14 Pro. Apple is testing a solution that positions the selfie camera under the screen, 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. Isso will provide a more immersive experience for content consumption, gaming and browsing, eliminating any visual interruption at the top of the display.
The sensors needed for the Face ID facial recognition system will also be under the screen. However, they will not be completely invisible, postponing the arrival of a completely borderless screen to future generations, but representing a crucial step in that direction.
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-screen camera technology presents 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.
On the same topic: Apple reduces price of iPhone 18 Pro for 2026 with A20 chip
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Main camera with variable aperture technology
The iPhone 18 Pro camera system will receive significant upgrades, including the introduction of a variable aperture main sensor, a technology that offers unprecedented control over light input and depth of field. Essa functionality, already present in competing 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, as it allows 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 photographs where you want to keep a larger area of the image in focus. Além of this new feature, the telephoto module must support a 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, driven by the processing power of the upcoming A20 Pro 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 compared to previous generations.
The higher transistor density will allow the chip to perform artificial intelligence and machine learning tasks faster. Isso is crucial for features such as Modo Cinema, computational photography and future integrations with the operating system, which should accompany the hardware launch and be iOS 27, optimizing all the new capabilities of the device.
Battery and cooling system optimization
The autonomy and longevity of the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be reinforced by the use of a battery with a stainless steel casing, 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%.
Learn more: IPhone 18 Pro features variable aperture camera and expanded battery
This improvement in the cooling system will allow the device to maintain peak performance for longer during intensive tasks such as gaming or 8K video editing. Segundo internal tests of the 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.
The improvement is complemented by a new 5G modem, developed by the company itself, which promises to be more efficient in energy consumption. A commitment to sustainable development is also an important factor, with the company planning to use 95% recycled materials in battery casings.
Technical details 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 and that the construction does not affect the reception of cell phone signals, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, thanks to the use of layers of filters and specialized materials that are permeable to radio waves.
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 offers lightness and strength, will continue 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.
