Face ID under the screen and 2nm A20 chip are highlights of the iPhone 18 Pro with 12 new features revealed

Apple is preparing a significant update for its line of premium smartphones with the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models, scheduled for the second half of 2026. Pro, manufactured with a new architecture.

The changes, although they maintain the visual identity established by the brand, focus on hardware and software improvements that promise to refine the user experience. The improvements range from the camera system and the device’s general performance to advances in connectivity and battery life, positioning the new devices as a relevant technological leap compared to previous generations.

Technology sector analysts have been following the rumors for months and consider most of the information highly reliable, given the convergence of details coming from different links in the Apple supply chain. The expectation is that the new features will consolidate the company’s position in the luxury segment, attracting both new consumers and users of older models waiting for a substantial upgrade.

Advances in screen and facial recognition technology

One of the most anticipated transformations for the iPhone 18 Pro is the relocation of the Face ID facial recognition system sensors below the display. Essa technological innovation, which has been developed for years, will allow the complete elimination of visible cutouts on the screen, like the current Dynamic Island, offering a truly immersive and uninterrupted viewing experience. Users will gain a larger usable screen area, ideal for video consumption, gaming and browsing. Devices must maintain sizes of 6.3 inches for the Pro model and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max. Complementando this change, the front camera would be discreetly moved to a small hole in the top left corner, optimizing the internal layout and freeing up the central space for the Face ID components, which will operate invisibly through the pixels of the OLED panel.

The power of the new A20 Pro processor

The heart of the new devices will be the A20 Pro chip, which represents a milestone in the semiconductor industry. Produzido by TSMC in an advanced 2 nanometer (nm) process, this processor promises significant gains in both raw performance and energy efficiency. The greater transistor density enabled by the new lithography translates into more processing power for complex tasks such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, high-resolution video editing and running graphics-intensive games. The improved architecture and new chip packaging should also contribute to better heat dissipation, allowing the device to maintain maximum performance for longer without overheating.

In practice, users will notice greater fluidity when opening applications, more agile multitasking and, most importantly, extended battery life. The efficiency of the A20 Pro will allow the iPhone 18 Pro to perform the same tasks while consuming less power, a crucial benefit for everyday use. Este technological advancement solidifies Apple’s leadership in mobile processor performance, setting a new standard for the industry and significantly surpassing the performance of the A19 chip, expected for 2025 models.

Camera system receives professional enhancements

The rear camera set will also receive important improvements. Pelo least one of the lenses, possibly the main or telephoto lens, will have a variable aperture system. Esse feature allows the camera to mechanically adjust the amount of light that enters the sensor, resulting in sharper photos and greater control over depth of field in different lighting conditions, bringing image quality closer to that of professional DSLR cameras.

Another change aims at usability: the dedicated Camera Control button, introduced in previous generations, will be simplified. The Apple should remove swipe gestures, focusing on precise taps and improved haptic feedback to make control faster and more intuitive when capturing photos and videos.

Additional rumors suggest the possibility of a significant upgrade in sensors, with all rear lenses adopting a 48 megapixel resolution. Isso would allow greater detail and flexibility in image post-processing. Night mode would also benefit from the power of the A20 Pro chip, with faster and more efficient image processing.

Cutting-edge connectivity with proprietary components

Apple will continue its verticalization strategy with the implementation of an internally developed 5G and LTE modem. Essa change reduces dependence on external vendors, such as Qualcomm, and allows for deeper optimization between hardware and software.

The expected result is more efficient battery consumption when using mobile networks, as well as potentially higher and more stable download and upload speeds. Full control over the component allows the company to adjust performance according to the needs of the operating system.

Wireless connectivity will also be improved with a new proprietary chip, possibly dubbed N1 or higher. The Este component will support the Wi-Fi 7 standard, which offers much higher speeds, lower latency and better performance in environments with many connected devices.

In addition to the Wi-Fi 7, the chip will integrate support for the Bluetooth 6 and the Thread protocol, reinforcing the Apple (HomeKit) smart home ecosystem with more robust and reliable connections. Satellite web browsing, an expansion of the emergency feature, will allow users to access basic pages and services even in remote locations without cellular coverage.

Refinements in design and autonomy

Although the general design is preserved, with the titanium body that combines lightness and resistance, some external refinements are expected. The Ceramic Shield back glass may receive a new matte finish designed to optimize MagSafe wireless charging, improving the grip of magnetic accessories and reducing fingerprint marks. The color palette should also be renewed, with studies indicating the inclusion of new shades such as burgundy, purple and a shade of brown.

Meeting users’ constant demand for longer battery life, the iPhone 18 Pro Max model may have a slightly increased thickness. Essa small design change would allow the inclusion of a larger capacity battery, guaranteeing autonomy for more than a day of intense use and directly benefiting professionals and users who depend on their smartphone for long working hours.

Consolidation of the main rumors

The set of 12 improvements that were consolidated in the leaks reinforces Apple’s strategy of delivering incremental but significant innovations in each cycle. The combination of a seamless display, a cutting-edge processor, more versatile cameras and improved connectivity raises the bar for premium smartphones and justifies the upgrade cycle for many consumers.

The official presentation of the devices is expected for the company’s traditional event in September 2026.

Evolution in relation to previous generations

The main evolution of the iPhone 18 Pro in relation to its direct predecessor, the iPhone 17 The Essa change represents the completion of a design journey that began with the notch and evolved with the Dynamic Island, finally delivering the vision of a device where content is the only protagonist. The development of your own modem is also a fundamental strategic step, ensuring greater control over the device’s performance and efficiency in the long term.