Information circulating in the technology industry indicates that Apple is developing radical changes for the iPhone 18 Pro line, scheduled for launch in September 2026. The new models should be the company’s first to incorporate Face ID facial recognition technology directly under the screen, eliminating the need for the cutout known as Dynamic Island and providing a more immersive viewing experience without visual interruptions.
In addition to the display innovation, the devices should bring a significant advance in their photographic capabilities. Relatórios point to the introduction of a main camera with variable aperture, also called mechanical iris, a feature that would give users unprecedented control over light input and depth of field, bringing smartphone photography closer to that of professional cameras.
These transformations would be driven by the new A20 Pro processor, which promises to be manufactured in a 2 nanometer process. The chip’s advanced architecture would not only elevate the device’s overall performance, but also optimize energy efficiency and processing capacity for artificial intelligence features, consolidating the Pro models’ position as the brand’s most advanced.
Apple’s strategy appears focused on further differentiating its premium devices, maintaining a robust innovation cycle. Enquanto the external design may only present refinements over the previous generation, the internal hardware and software upgrades aim to redefine the user experience in crucial areas such as display, photography and performance.
A truly immersive display
The main visual change awaited for the iPhone 18 Pro is the implementation of the Face ID under the display. Essa technology allows facial recognition sensors, including the dot projector and infrared camera, to be hidden beneath screen pixels, making them invisible during normal use. The result would be the complete removal of the pill-shaped cutout, leaving only a small circular hole for the front camera, which would be repositioned to the top left corner. The transition to this configuration would maximize the useful display area, offering a much more immersive content consumption experience, such as videos and games, without visual distractions.
Developing this technology presents complex challenges, such as ensuring that sensors work with the same precision and speed across the layers of the OLED panel without compromising image quality, brightness or color fidelity. Apple is known for adopting new technologies only when they reach a high standard of maturity and reliability, which suggests the company is confident of overcoming these hurdles in time for launch. The maintenance of screen sizes, with 6.3 inches for the Pro model and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max, indicates that the focus of innovation is on optimizing the existing space, and not on changing the physical dimensions of the devices.
The photographic revolution with mechanical iris
One of the most anticipated advances by photography enthusiasts is the possible inclusion of a mechanical iris in the 48 megapixel main camera. Diferente from the fixed aperture of ƒ/1.78, used in the Pro models since the iPhone 14, a variable aperture system would allow the user to manually adjust the amount of light reaching the sensor. Essa functionality would open up a range of creative possibilities, offering direct control over depth of field. Seria You can, for example, use a larger aperture to get a more natural bokeh background in portraits, or a smaller aperture to ensure that the entire scene, from edge to edge, is in sharp focus in landscape photos. Essa flexibility is a fundamental feature of professional DSLR and mirrorless cameras, and its arrival on the iPhone would represent a significant qualitative leap for mobile photography, allowing superior adaptation to different lighting conditions, from very bright environments, where a smaller aperture would avoid overexposure, to nighttime scenarios, where a larger aperture would capture more light.
The power of the new A20 Pro processor
At the heart of the iPhone 18 Pro will be the A20 Pro chip, which is expected to be produced by TSMC with advanced 2-nanometer lithography. Essa new generation of processors will bring significant gains in both raw performance and energy efficiency.
Reducing the size of transistors allows more of them to be integrated into the chip, increasing processing power for complex tasks such as high-resolution video editing and running graphics-intensive games, while consuming less battery power.
Another expected innovation is the adoption of the WMCM packaging (Wafer-on-Wafer with Copper-to-Copper Bonding), which integrates RAM memory directly into the same processor package. Essa architecture reduces the physical distance that data needs to travel, resulting in lower latency, higher access speeds and better thermal management, essential for sustaining maximum performance for longer.
Refined design and construction
Although the biggest news is inside, the external design of the iPhone 18 Pro should undergo subtle refinements. The overall appearance will remain in line with the visual identity established in the 2025 models, but the elimination of the Dynamic Island will give the front a much cleaner and more modern look.
The relocation of the selfie camera to a discreet hole in the corner of the screen is a functional change that directly impacts the aesthetics of the device, making it more symmetrical and pleasant. Premium build quality, with materials such as titanium and high-resistance glass, will continue to be a hallmark of the Pro line.
Other expected hardware innovations
In addition to the screen and camera upgrades, additional rumors suggest other hardware improvements. The front camera, for example, could receive a resolution upgrade, jumping to 24 megapixels, which would result in selfies and video calls with a higher level of detail.
The camera control button, introduced in previous generations, can also undergo adjustments. Alguns prototypes would be testing the removal of haptic feedback to simplify the mechanical component and optimize internal space.
To deal with the increase in performance of the A20 Pro chip, Apple would be developing more efficient cooling systems. Better heat dissipation is crucial to prevent overheating during heavy use, such as long gaming sessions or 4K video recording.
Connectivity is another area that should receive attention. Espera is implementing new modems that support the latest Wi-Fi and 5G standards, ensuring faster download and upload speeds and a more stable connection in a variety of network conditions.
The path to under-screen technology
The transition from the Apple to a fully integrated under-display Face ID follows an industry trend, but the company is taking a historically cautious approach. Instead of rushing to implement new technologies, the company prefers to improve them until they meet its rigorous standards of quality and user experience, as previously seen with the ProMotion screens and the Always-On Display.
This next step is seen as the natural evolution to achieve the goal of a smartphone with a front made up entirely of screen. By moving the sensors under the panel, the Apple not only improves aesthetics, but also paves the way for future design innovations, solidifying the iPhone’s image as a technologically cutting-edge product.
Apple launch strategy
Following its traditional schedule, Apple is expected to announce and launch the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models at its annual event in September 2026.
It is speculated that the year 2026 could be particularly important for the Apple portfolio, with the possible debut of its first foldable iPhone. The company’s strategy appears to be to concentrate the most impactful innovations on its premium models, while the standard versions of the iPhone 18 could have their most significant updates postponed until 2027.
What to expect from the new generation
For consumers, the changes planned for the iPhone 18 Pro translate into practical and direct benefits. The combination of a more immersive screen, a camera system with improved creative control and a faster, smarter processor positions the device as a powerful tool for both everyday life and professional tasks, especially in photography and artificial intelligence applications.