Apple is preparing significant changes to the design of its smartphone line with the launch of the iPhone 18

The main new features focus on a partially translucent look and the long-awaited removal of the Dynamic Island cutout, which will be replaced by under-screen front camera technology. Além of the visual changes, the new generation promises important updates to the camera system, processor performance and battery life, reinforcing 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 look compared to 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 strategy appears to be to evoke nostalgia for the era of Steve Jobs, a period in which Apple established itself as a benchmark in industrial design.

The main aesthetic novelty of the iPhone 18 Pro will be a translucent glass section on the back of the device, located 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.

The screen of the future without the Dynamic Island

One of the most anticipated transformations for the 2026 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 display, making it practically invisible when not in use.

According to estimates, this change will increase the viewing area by approximately 5% compared to current models, providing a more immersive experience for content consumption, gaming and browsing. The sensors needed for the Face ID facial recognition system will also be under the screen, although they will not be completely invisible, postponing the arrival of a completely borderless screen for 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 is a complex technical challenge, as it requires the panel to be transparent enough for light to pass through without distorting the image captured by the lens.

Main camera with variable aperture technology

The iPhone 18 Pro camera system will receive significant improvements, with the inclusion of a main sensor with variable aperture, a technology that offers unprecedented control over light input and depth of field. Essa functionality, already present on competitor devices, 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, such as f/1.4, is ideal for low-light conditions, allowing you to capture more information and reduce noise, as well as creating a more natural background blur (bokeh) in portraits. 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.

In addition to this new feature, the telephoto module must support 48 MP resolution with 5x optical zoom. 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. Hardware and software integration will be crucial for features like the variable aperture camera to work intuitively and reliably.

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 using 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 the new software and hardware will be fundamental and will require precise calibration to ensure that complex features, such as the variable aperture camera, work intuitively and reliably for the end user, maintaining the brand’s quality standard.

Battery and cooling system optimization

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 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. According to internal tests by Apple, the battery capacity should also be increased, reaching 4,800 mAh in the Pro Max model, which will guarantee up to 30 hours of mixed use. Este advancement 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 battery blocks.

New launch strategy for the entire line

Apple plans to change its launch schedule. The iPhone 18 models Pro and Pro Max will hit the market in September 2026, while the Standard and Plus versions will launch in spring 2027.

Technical feasibility of the new construction

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 construction 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, 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 resistance, will be maintained in the Pro models.