Apple is preparing a significant visual overhaul for its smartphone line with the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro. The main new features focus on the adoption of a partially translucent look and the long-awaited removal of the Dynamic Island cutout, which will be replaced by a front camera technology under the screen. Essas changes represent one of the most important aesthetic evolutions of the device in recent years.
In addition to the visual transformations, the new generation promises important improvements in the camera system, processor performance and battery life, reinforcing the Apple’s position in the premium segment. The company seeks not only to innovate technologically, but also to create a new visual identity that speaks to its own history of industrial design.
Despite the renovations, 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 external appearance compared to the previous generation, maintaining the line’s visual identity and familiarity for users.
A design that rescues the legacy of Apple
The inspiration for the new look came from Macintosh computers from the late 90s, such as the iMac G3 and iBook, which stood out for their colorful and semi-transparent chassis. The strategy, apparently, is to evoke nostalgia for the era of Steve Jobs, a period in which Apple established itself as a reference in industrial design, combining functionality with a bold and unique aesthetic for the time.
The main aesthetic novelty of the iPhone 18 Pro will be a section of transparent glass located on the back of the device, specifically in the MagSafe charging ring area. Essa window will allow you to view some internal components, such as the wireless charging coil and other circuitry, creating a distinct and technical visual effect that will appeal to technology enthusiasts.
The end of Dynamic Island and the screen of the future
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 developing a solution that positions the selfie camera under the display, making it practically invisible when not in use.
Learn more: Apple develops iPhone 18 Pro with translucent back and front lens hidden under the display
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 type of visual interruption at the top of the panel.
The sensors needed for the Face ID facial recognition system will also be under the screen. However, they may not be completely invisible, which would postpone the arrival of a completely cutout-free screen for future generations, but it already represents a considerable advance.
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.
Variable aperture camera system
The iPhone 18 Pro’s camera set 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. Essa functionality, already present in competing devices, will allow users to manually adjust the lens aperture in a range that can go from f/1.4 to f/2.0. 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, 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, ensuring sharpness in all planes. Além of this new feature, the telephoto module must support 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.
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Power and efficiency with the A20 Pro chip
Many of the new features, especially advances in image and video processing, will be enabled 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 integrations with the operating system that require real-time processing.
On the same topic: Apple’s new smartphone features a screen without cutouts and a translucent look inspired by the 90s
Battery and cooling system optimizations
The autonomy and longevity of the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be improved with 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%.
Improved thermal dissipation allows the device to maintain peak performance longer during intensive tasks such as gaming or 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 would guarantee up to 30 hours of mixed use.
This improvement is accompanied 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 the battery blocks.
Reinforcing premium positioning
Industry experts interpret the decision to rescue classic design elements as a strategic maneuver by Apple to strengthen the premium identity of its products. By integrating elements that harken back to its past commercial successes, the company not only differentiates itself from competitors, but also strengthens the emotional connection with its most loyal consumer base.
The combination of a nostalgic design with cutting-edge technologies, such as the under-screen camera and the 2nm chip, positions the iPhone 18 Pro as an object of desire that unites history and future, justifying its place at the top of the smartphone market.
More on this story: IPhone 18 Pro gains translucent chassis and 5200 mAh battery in aesthetic redesign
New launch strategy for the line
In 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.