IPhone 18 Pro will have an under-screen camera and a translucent design inspired by Apple brand classics
Apple is preparing significant changes to the design of its smartphone line with the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro. 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 an under-screen front camera technology.
In addition to the visual changes, the new generation promises important updates to the camera system, processor performance and battery life. The expectation is that the new devices will consolidate the company’s position in the premium segment, combining technological innovation with a tribute to its own legacy of industrial design.
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, should preserve 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 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 main aesthetic novelty of the iPhone 18 Pro will be a section of translucent glass located on the back of the device, specifically in the area surrounding the MagSafe charging ring.
More on this story: Apple develops iPhone 18 Pro with translucent back and front lens hidden under the display
This “window” will allow you to view some internal components, such as the wireless charging coil and other circuits, creating a distinct and technological visual effect. Especialistas in the sector interpret this decision as a strategic maneuver by Apple to reinforce the premium identity of its products.
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 is 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 required for the Face ID facial recognition system will also be located under the display, although they should still not be completely invisible.
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 will 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.
This 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.
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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. 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, will 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 faster, which is crucial for features like cinema mode and computational photography, processing complex algorithms in real time to optimize each shot.
The improved efficiency will also translate into lower battery consumption during intensive activities, such as gaming with advanced graphics or editing high-resolution video directly on the device. The A20
Battery optimization and new cooling system
The autonomy and durability 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%, allowing the device to maintain peak performance for longer during intensive tasks. 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 and reducing dependence on primary resources for the production of components essential to the device’s operation.
New launch strategy for the full line
For the release cycle, Apple plans to change its calendar. The iPhone 18 models Pro and Pro Max will hit the market in September 2026, as usual. However, the Standard and Plus models will only be released in spring 2027, possibly in March or April. Essa strategic division allows the company to focus its most advanced innovations on the Pro models, consolidating them as the main event of the year and, at the same time, creating a separate launch window for the most affordable models, avoiding sales cannibalization and giving each line its own prominence in the market.
On the same topic: 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. However, sources linked to the production chain guarantee that the prototypes have already been subjected to rigorous tests and that the design does not affect the reception of telephone signals, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Isso 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. The titanium chassis, which offers lightness and strength, will continue to be used 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.
