Apple innovates on iPhone 18 Pro with translucent design and new under-screen camera technology
Apple is preparing significant changes to the design and functionality of its smartphone lineup with the launch of the iPhone 18
The main new features focus on a partially translucent look and the long-awaited removal of the Dynamic Island cutout, which will be replaced by an under-screen front camera technology. Além of visual transformations, the new generation promises important updates to the camera system, processor performance and battery life, consolidating the Apple’s position in the premium segment.
Despite the innovations, the new devices are expected to 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 visual identity of the line, ensuring immediate recognition of the devices.
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 translucent casings. The strategy appears to be to evoke nostalgia for the era of Steve Jobs, a period in which Apple established itself as an industrial design standard, creating an emotional connection with its most loyal consumer base.
On the same topic: Apple develops iPhone 18 Pro with translucent back and front lens hidden under the display
The main aesthetic novelty of the iPhone 18 Pro will be a transparent glass area on the back of the device, located around 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 technical and sophisticated visual effect. Especialistas in the sector interpret this decision as a strategic maneuver by Apple to reinforce the premium identity of its products, differentiating itself from competitors and strengthening the bond with its user base.
The screen of the future without 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 display, making it practically invisible when not in use. Essa change should increase the viewing area by approximately 5% compared to current models, providing a more immersive experience for content consumption, gaming and browsing. The sensors required for the Face ID facial recognition system will also be integrated under the screen, although they may not be completely invisible, which postpones the arrival of a completely cutout-free 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 fluid animations and scrolling. Under-display camera technology poses a complex technical challenge as it requires the panel to become transparent enough for light to pass through it without distorting the image captured by the lens.
Learn more: New iPhone 18 Pro brings 5200 mAh battery and translucent design to the technology market
New line launch strategy
Apple plans to change its release schedule for the 2026 and 2027 cycles. The iPhone 18 models Pro and Pro Max will hit the market in September 2026, while the Standard and Pro, keeping them as the main event of the year, while creating a separate launch window for the most affordable models, optimizing production and marketing communication for each audience segment.
Power and efficiency with the A20 Pro chip
Many of the new features, especially improvements in image and video processing, will be made possible by the A20 Pro chip. Este new processor, manufactured with 2 nanometer technology, 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 such as Cinema mode, computational photography, and future operating system integration.
See Also
More on this story: IPhone 18 Pro gains translucent chassis and 5200 mAh battery in aesthetic redesign
This advanced processing capacity is what will enable features such as recording videos in 8K at 60 frames per second, a feature that requires immense computing power to run stably and with high quality.
Battery and cooling system optimization
The autonomy and durability of the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be improved 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 4800 mAh in the Pro Max model, which guarantees up to 30 hours of mixed use.
This improvement is accompanied by a new 5G modem, designed 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 packs, reinforcing its environmental goals and its conscious brand image in the global market.
Variable aperture camera system
The iPhone 18 Pro camera system will receive substantial improvements, including a main sensor with variable aperture diaphragm, a technology that offers unprecedented control over light flow and depth of field.
This function, 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.
Learn more: Apple’s new smartphone features a screen without cutouts and a translucent look inspired by the 90s
In practice, a larger aperture like 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 like 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 lens must support 48 MP resolution with 5x optical zoom, and the ultra-angular lens will receive an improved stabilization system for more stable photos and videos.
