Apple is preparing to implement substantial changes to the design 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, 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, consolidating the position of the Pro line as the company’s technological vanguard.
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 design 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 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 main aesthetic novelty of the iPhone 18 Pro will be a translucent glass section located on the back of the device, specifically in the MagSafe charging ring area. Esta “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 in the sector interpret this decision as a strategic maneuver by Apple to reinforce the premium identity of its products. By integrating elements that nod to its past commercial successes, the company not only differentiates itself from competitors, but also strengthens the emotional connection 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.
The future of the screen without 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.
This change is estimated to increase the viewing area by approximately 5% compared to current models. The sensors required for the Face ID facial recognition system will also be positioned under the screen, although they should not be completely invisible.
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 smooth animations and scrolling.
Main camera with variable aperture technology
The iPhone 18 Pro camera system will receive significant improvements, including a main sensor with adjustable aperture, a technology that provides unprecedented control over light flow and depth of field. Essa functionality, already present on competitor devices like the Samsung and Huawei, will allow users to manually adjust the lens aperture over 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. 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.
Improvements to the rest of the photographic set
In addition to the new functionality, the telephoto lens 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 videos at 60 frames per second is also a real possibility, which would represent a leap in quality for content creators and video enthusiasts.
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 faster, which is crucial for features like cinema mode and computational photography.
Battery optimization and new cooling system
The autonomy and durability of the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be reinforced by 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 should also be increased, reaching 4800 mAh in the Pro Max model, which guarantees up to 30 hours of mixed use. Essa 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: the company plans to use 95% recycled materials in battery blocks, reinforcing its ecological goals and reducing dependence on virgin resources.
New launch strategy for the entire line
In the 2026 and 2027 cycles, 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. This measure also optimizes the supply chain, allowing greater focus on the production of premium models during the peak demand period at the end of the year.
Technical details and feasibility of the new project
The use of a partially transparent backplate 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, 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 used 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.
