Future iPhone 18 Pro will have a translucent look and under-screen camera technology without a dynamic island
The Apple is preparing a significant redesign of its smartphone line with the long-awaited launch of the iPhone 18 family. The main innovations focus on a partially transparent look and the complete elimination of the Dynamic Island cutout, which will be replaced by an advanced front camera technology positioned under the screen.
In addition to the aesthetic transformations, the new generation promises substantial improvements in the camera system, processor performance and battery life, reinforcing the company’s position in the premium device segment. These changes are expected to represent one of the biggest design leaps of the last decade for the company.
Despite the new features, the devices must maintain the screen sizes already consolidated on the market: 6.3 inches for the iPhone 18 Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max version. The rear camera module, although with important internal updates, must preserve the layout 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 refers to Macintosh computers from the late 90s, such as the iconic iMac G3 and iBook, which stood out for their colorful and semi-transparent bodies. The strategy seems to be to evoke nostalgia for the era of Steve Jobs, a period in which Apple established itself as a reference in industrial design and innovation.
The main aesthetic novelty of the iPhone 18 Pro will be a transparent glass area on the back of the device, located in the region of the MagSafe charging ring. 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.
More on this story: Apple develops iPhone 18 Pro with translucent back and front lens hidden under the display
Sources from the production chain indicate that the implementation will not affect the durability of the device. The material used will be chemically reinforced glass, designed to resist everyday scratches and impacts, while maintaining the structural integrity of the titanium chassis.
The end of the dynamic island with the screen of the future
One of the most anticipated transformations in 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 integrates the selfie camera directly under the display, making it practically invisible when not in active use.
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 general browsing on the operating system.
The sensors needed for the Face ID facial recognition system will also be under the screen, although they may not be completely invisible in certain lighting conditions. The technology to completely hide all front sensors is still in development, postponing the arrival of a completely borderless screen to future generations.
The development of these panels involves a strategic partnership with Samsung Display, which will provide enhanced OLED displays. The technology will maintain the ProMotion refresh rate of 120Hz to ensure fluid animations and scrolling, but with a new pixel arrangement that allows light to pass to the camera without distorting the captured image.
Main camera with variable aperture technology
The iPhone 18 Pro’s camera system will receive significant upgrades, including the introduction of a variable aperture main sensor, 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 within a range that can vary from f/1.4 to f/2.0, adapting to different lighting scenarios and creative needs. 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 like f/2.0 is useful for landscape or group photography, where you want to keep a larger area of the image in focus.
See Also
In addition to this new feature, the telephoto module should support a 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. Integration between new hardware and software will be key, with functions such as Modo Cinema and computational photography being optimized to take full advantage of the system’s new capabilities, requiring precise calibration for features such as variable aperture to work intuitively and reliably.
Learn more: IPhone 18 Pro gains translucent chassis and 5200 mAh battery in aesthetic redesign
Power and efficiency with the A20 Pro chip
Many of the new features, especially improvements in image and video processing, will be powered by the A20 Pro chip. Este new processor, manufactured using a 2 nanometer process, promises a significant leap in performance and energy efficiency compared to previous generations.
The greater density of transistors will allow the chip to perform artificial intelligence and machine learning tasks more quickly. Isso is crucial for functions such as Modo Cinema, computational photography and future integrations with the operating system, which should be iOS 27, following the hardware launch.
Battery and cooling system optimization
The autonomy and longevity 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. 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. The improvement is complemented 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, with the company planning to use 95% recycled materials in the battery blocks.
New launch strategy for the entire line
For the release cycle, Apple plans to change its calendar. The iPhone 18 Pro models may be announced at a separate event from the more affordable models, allowing the company to individually highlight each product segment and better manage its supply chain.
This staggered approach could begin with the Pro models in September, as is traditional, while the standard versions would only hit the market at the beginning of the following year. The move aims to optimize production and ensure that initial demand for the most advanced models is met without significant delays.
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 claim that the prototypes have already undergone rigorous testing and that the construction does not affect the reception of cell phone signals, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Isso is possible thanks to the use of layers of filters and specialized materials that are permeable to radio waves, ensuring full connectivity.
On the same topic: Apple’s new smartphone features a screen without cutouts and a translucent look inspired by the 90s
The IP68 certification for protection against water and dust will also be maintained, ensuring the device’s robustness in daily use. The titanium chassis, which offers lightness and strength, will continue 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.
