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 transparent look and the long-awaited removal of the Dynamic Island cutout. The front camera will be relocated below the screen, a technology that promises a more immersive and tear-free viewing experience. Além of the visual changes, the new generation should bring important updates to the camera system, processor performance and battery life, consolidating the Apple’s position in the premium segment.
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.
Nostalgic design with a modern touch
The inspiration for the new look of the iPhone 18 Apple’s strategy appears to be to evoke nostalgia for the era of Steve Jobs, a period in which the company established itself as a benchmark in industrial design, creating an emotional connection with its most loyal consumer base.
More on this story: Details of the iPhone 18 Pro, release date and camera, emerge in leak
The main aesthetic novelty will be a translucent glass section on the back of the device, located specifically in 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 technical visual effect. Especialistas from the industry interpret this decision as a strategic maneuver to reinforce the premium identity of their products, differentiating themselves from competitors who opt for luminous elements or more conventional finishes.
The future of the screen without the 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.
According to estimates, this change will increase the viewing area by approximately 5%, providing a more immersive experience for content consumption, gaming and browsing. The sensors needed for the Face ID facial recognition system will also be integrated under the screen, although they will not be completely invisible, postponing the arrival of a completely borderless display to future generations.
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. Under-display camera technology poses a complex technical challenge as it requires the panel to become transparent enough for light to pass through without distorting the image captured by the lens.
Significant advances in the camera system
The iPhone 18 Pro camera system will receive substantial improvements, with the inclusion of a main sensor with variable aperture. Essa technology, already present in competitor devices such as the Samsung and Huawei, offers unprecedented control over light input and depth of field.
The function 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.
Learn more: IPhone 18 Pro gains cameras with biggest generational leap in years, reports show
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-angular 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. Essa ultra-high resolution will enable captures with an impressive level of detail, opening up new possibilities for content creators and video professionals.
Performance and efficiency with the A20 Pro chip
Many of the new features, especially improvements in image and video processing, will be enabled by the A20 Pro chip. Este new processor, manufactured with a 2 nanometer 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 features such as cinema mode, computational photography, and future integrations with the operating system. The hardware launch will be accompanied by the debut of iOS 27, the new version of the Apple operating system. Integration between new software and hardware will require precise calibration so that features such as the variable aperture camera work intuitively and reliably.
Battery and internal structure optimizations
The autonomy and durability of the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be improved with the use of a battery with a stainless steel shell, which will replace the aluminum used in previous models. Essa structural change not only increases impact resistance by approximately 20%, but also improves heat dissipation by approximately 15%.
This allows the device to maintain peak performance for longer when performing 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.
New launch strategy for the iPhone line
For the years 2026 and 2027, Apple plans to change its launch schedule. The iPhone 18 models Pro and more accessible.
On the same topic: Apple develops iPhone 18 Pro with translucent back and front lens hidden under the display
Technical details and feasibility of the new project
The implementation of a partially translucent back panel 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 design 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.
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 to be present 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.