IPhone 18 Pro may revive classic translucent design and adopt under-screen camera technology
Apple is preparing significant changes to the design of its smartphone line with the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro. The main new features, according to rumors, focus on a partially transparent appearance and the long-awaited elimination of the Dynamic Island cutout, which would be replaced by a front camera technology under the screen. Além of the visual changes, the new generation promises important updates to the camera system, processor performance and battery life.
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 improvements, must maintain the general appearance of the previous generation, maintaining the visual identity of the line.
A design that honors the legacy of Apple
The inspiration for the new look would have come 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 main aesthetic novelty of the iPhone 18 Pro would be a section of translucent glass located on the back of the device, specifically in the area surrounding the MagSafe charging ring. Esta “window” would allow you to view some internal components, such as the wireless charging coil and other circuits, creating a distinct and technological visual effect.
Industry experts interpret this decision as a strategic maneuver by Apple to reinforce the premium identity of its products. By integrating elements that refer 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, evoking the nostalgia of the era of Steve Jobs, a period in which Apple established itself as a reference in industrial design.
On the same topic: Apple develops iPhone 18 Pro with translucent back and front lens hidden under the display
The future of the screen without the Dynamic Island
One of the most anticipated transformations for the Pro line is the elimination of the cutout known as Dynamic Island, introduced on the iPhone 14 Pro. Apple would be testing a solution that positions the selfie camera under the screen, making it practically invisible when not in use.
This change is estimated to increase the viewing area by approximately 5% compared to current models. The sensors needed for the Face ID facial recognition system would also be located under the display, although they should still not be completely invisible.
Learn more: New iPhone 18 Pro brings 5200 mAh battery and translucent design to the technology market
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.
Main camera with variable aperture technology
The iPhone 18 Pro’s camera system is expected to receive important 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 such as the Samsung and Huawei, would allow users to manually adjust the lens aperture within a range of f/1.4 to f/2.0. In practice, a larger aperture like 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 photography, where you want to keep a larger area of the image in focus. 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.
Power and efficiency with the A20 Pro chip
Many of the new features, especially advances in image and video processing, would be enabled by the A20 Pro chip. Este new processor, manufactured in a 2 nm process, 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 more quickly, which is crucial for functions such as cinema mode and computational photography.
Battery optimization and new cooling system
The autonomy and durability of the iPhone 18 Pro Max would be reinforced by the use of a battery with a stainless steel housing, replacing 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.
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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. Essa improvement is complemented by a new 5G modem, designed by the company itself, which promises to be more efficient in energy consumption. The commitment to sustainability is also an important factor: the company plans to use 95% recycled materials in battery casings, reinforcing its environmental goals.
New launch strategy for the full line
Apple plans to change its release calendar. The iPhone 18 models Pro and Pro Max would hit the market in September, as usual.
However, the Standard and Plus models would not be released until the spring of the following year, possibly March or April.
This strategic division allows the company to focus its most advanced innovations on the Pro models, consolidating them as the main event of the year.
At the same time, it creates a separate launch window for the most affordable models, avoiding sales cannibalization and giving each line its own prominence in the market.
Learn more: Apple’s new smartphone features a screen without cutouts and a translucent look inspired by the 90s
Technical details and feasibility of the new construction
The implementation of a partially transparent back raises questions about durability and signal interference. Fontes linked to the production chain ensure that the prototypes have already undergone rigorous testing and that the design does not affect the reception of cell phone signals, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
This is possible thanks to the use of layers of filters and specialized materials, permeable to radio waves. The IP68 certification for water and dust resistance will also be maintained, ensuring the device’s robustness in daily use.
