New rumors indicate iPhone 18 Pro with under-screen camera and return of classic translucent design

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Apple caixa, iphone - atracurium_/ iStock

The technology industry turns its attention to the Apple development laboratories, where recent information points to a significant overhaul in the aesthetics and functionality of smartphones scheduled for 2026. The future iPhone 18 Pro should mark a visual break with current generations, introducing design elements that mix nostalgia with advanced engineering. The company’s main bet lies in combining a partially translucent look with the definitive elimination of cutouts on the screen.

Engineers and designers from the Cupertino giant are working to integrate the front camera directly under the display, a long-awaited technology that promises to retire the Dynamic Island. Além of the clean front, the back of the device must incorporate transparent glass in strategic areas, allowing the visualization of internal components. The launch is scheduled to follow a new strategic schedule, dividing the arrival of the Pro versions and the standard models into different time windows.

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The leaked technical specifications suggest a performance leap driven by the A20 Pro chip, manufactured in a 2 nanometer process. Energy autonomy will also receive special attention, with the introduction of new battery technologies and stainless steel coatings for better thermal management. The set of rear cameras will not be left behind, adopting variable aperture systems for greater professional photographic control.

This movement by the Apple is interpreted by market analysts as an attempt to reinforce the premium identity of the Pro line. By drastically differentiating the design and release cycle, the company seeks to not only attract enthusiasts for hardware innovation, but also create an emotional connection with longtime consumers through the brand’s historic visual references.

Return to translucent aesthetics and visual heritage

The design planned for the iPhone 18 Pro draws direct inspiration from one of the most creative periods in the history of Apple. Fontes linked to the production chain indicate that the look will pay homage to the Macintosh computers from the late 90s, specifically the iMac G3 and the iBook. Estes devices became famous for their colorful and translucent bodies, which broke with the beige standard of the time.

The modern implementation of this aesthetic will involve a clear glass section on the back of the smartphone, strategically placed around the MagSafe charging ring. Esta window will allow users to observe the wireless charging coil and other integrated circuits, creating an effect of depth and technical sophistication that differentiates the device from competitors that use only matte or glossy finishes.

Industrial design experts point out that this choice is not just aesthetic, but an affirmation of confidence in the product’s internal engineering. Expor the internal components require a level of organization and finishing of the circuits that is much higher than the standard, transforming the interior of the device into an integral part of the user’s visual experience.

End of Dynamic Island and immersive screen

The most impactful evolution on the front of the device will be the complete removal of the Dynamic Island, introduced in the iPhone 14 generation Pro. The Apple is in advanced testing stages with a technology that positions the Face ID’s selfie camera and sensors below the OLED panel. The goal is to make these elements invisible to the naked eye when not in active use, providing a full-screen experience without visual interruptions.

This change is estimated to result in an increase of approximately 5% in the usable viewing area. Para To enable such a feature, the company must count on a partnership with

Although the camera is hidden, the quality of video calls and face unlock should be maintained or improved. The technical challenge of capturing images through a layer of lit pixels is being overcome with new image processing algorithms and screen materials with optimized light transmittance, ensuring that selfies maintain the standard demanded by the premium market.

Photographic evolution with variable aperture

The rear camera system will receive a significant functional upgrade with the introduction of a main sensor with variable aperture. Diferente than traditional fixed smartphone lenses, this technology will allow the user or software to mechanically switch the diaphragm aperture between f/1.4 and f/2.0. Essa flexibility offers physical control over light input and depth of field, previously simulated only by software.

In low-light scenarios, the f/1.4 aperture will be able to capture more light, reducing digital noise and improving nighttime sharpness. Já For photographs of landscapes or groups of people, the f/2.0 aperture will ensure that a larger area of ​​the image remains in focus, preventing excessive blurring of backgrounds that naturally occurs on large sensors with very wide apertures.

Complementing the main sensor, the optical set should include a 48 MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom and an ultra-wide lens with improved stabilization. The processing capacity of the new hardware should also enable video recording in 8K resolution at 60 frames per second, positioning the device as a robust tool for professional content creators.

Advanced processing and energy efficiency

The heart of the iPhone 18 Pro will be the unprecedented A20 Pro chip, designed under the 2 nanometer architecture. Esta lithography allows for much higher transistor density, translating into greater calculation speed for artificial intelligence and machine learning tasks. Recursos such as real-time video editing and computational photography will directly depend on this new processing power.

To sustain this performance, the battery structure will undergo a major material change. The power cell casing, previously made of aluminum, will be replaced by stainless steel. Testes internals suggest that this change increases energy density, allowing a capacity close to 4800 mAh in the Pro Max model, in addition to improving heat dissipation by around 15%.

Physical durability is also a focus, with the titanium chassis being maintained to ensure lightness and strength. The IP68 certification against water and dust will continue to be present, ensuring that aesthetic innovations, such as translucent glass, do not compromise the integrity of the device in adverse everyday situations.

New market and launch strategy

Apple plans to change the traditional dynamics of its launches for the 2026 and 2027 cycle. The leaked schedule indicates that the iPhone 18 models Pro and Pro Max will be presented primarily in September 2026. between categories.

This temporal separation aims to highlight the exclusive technological innovations of the Pro line, ensuring that it receives full attention from media and consumers during the holiday season. At the same time, the subsequent launch of basic models allows the company to keep public interest high during the first half of the following year, optimizing global production and distribution logistics.

Jeronimo Santos: Jeronimo Santos é colaborador da redação do Mix Vale, portal de notícias com cobertura de Brasil e mundo. Produz conteúdo nas editorias de economia e benefícios, com foco em informação de serviço para o leitor brasileiro. Escreve para o portal desde 2016: Formação: Marketing