Retro look and invisible camera: Apple bets on translucent design for the new iPhone 18 Pro
Apple is preparing significant changes to the design and technology of its smartphone line with the launch of the iPhone 18
The main new features focus on a partially translucent finish and the long-awaited removal of the Dynamic Island cutout, which will be replaced by a front camera technology under the screen. Essa approach will allow for unprecedented screen usage in the history of the iPhone, offering a fully immersive viewing experience.
In addition to the visual changes, the new generation promises important updates to the camera system, processor performance and battery life. Information indicates that Apple is focused on improving all aspects of the device, from professional-level image capture to hardware energy efficiency.
A design that honors the legacy of Apple
The inspiration for the new look of the iPhone 18 The main aesthetic novelty will be a semi-transparent glass section on the back of the device, positioned specifically over the MagSafe charging ring area. Essa “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 from the industry interpret this decision as a strategic maneuver by Apple to strengthen the premium identity of its products. By integrating elements that hark back to commercial successes of the past, the company not only differentiates itself from competitors, but also strengthens the emotional bond with its most loyal consumer base, evoking nostalgia for the era of Steve Jobs, a period in which Apple established itself as an industrial design standard.
On the same topic: Translucent design and camera under the screen are the big news expected for Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro
The future of the screen without Dynamic Island
One of the most anticipated transformations for the 2026 Pro line is the complete elimination of the screen cutout, known as Dynamic Island, which was introduced on the iPhone 14 Pro. Apple is testing a solution that positions the selfie camera directly under the display, making it practically invisible when not in use. The sensors needed for the Face ID facial recognition system will also be located under the screen, although they should not be completely unnoticeable. Prevê This change is expected to increase the viewing area by approximately 5% compared to current models, providing a genuine full-screen experience.
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. Apesar of the transformations, the new devices must maintain the already known screen sizes: 6.3 inches for the iPhone 18
Learn more: IPhone 18 Pro gains translucent chassis and 5200 mAh battery in aesthetic redesign
Variable aperture camera system
The iPhone 18 Pro camera system will receive significant upgrades, including a main sensor with variable aperture diaphragm, a technology that offers unprecedented control over light input and depth of field.
This functionality, already present in competitor 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.
In practice, a larger aperture like f/1.4 is ideal for low-light conditions, capturing more information and reducing noise, as well as creating 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.
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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, which has a direct impact on features such as Cinema mode and computational photography.
Battery optimizations and new cooling system
The autonomy and longevity of the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be improved with the use of a battery with a stainless steel body, which will replace the aluminum used in previous models.
This 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 must also be increased, reaching 4,800 mAh in the Pro Max model, which guarantees up to 30 hours of mixed use. Essa improvement is complemented by a new 5G modem, designed by Apple itself, which promises to be more efficient in energy consumption.
New launch strategy for the full line
In the 2026 and 2027 cycle, Apple plans to change its launch schedule. The iPhone 18 models Pro and Pro Max, as usual, will hit the market in September 2026. However, the models Standard and Essa strategic division allows the company to focus its most advanced innovations on the Pro models, making them 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. Essa measure also optimizes the supply chain, allowing greater focus on the production of premium models during peak demand at the end of the year.
Learn more: Apple develops iPhone 18 Pro with translucent back and front lens hidden under the display
Technical details and feasibility of the new construction
The use of a partially translucent backplate raises questions about durability and possible signal interference. However, sources linked to the production chain claim that the prototypes have already undergone rigorous testing and that the structure 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 that are 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 resistance, will continue to be used in the Pro models.
