Apple has maintained an annual update cycle for its flagship smartphone since 2007, and the scenario for 2026 should not be different. However, there are expectations of significant changes in upcoming releases.

The Cupertino-based technology company plans to introduce a new range of iPhones later this year, covering the iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max and the highly anticipated iPhone Ultra, which represents the brand’s first foldable model. The iPhone 18, 18e and the new iPhone Air models are expected in early 2027.

As the iPhone 18 and its iOS 27 operating system await release, a steady stream of information and rumors continues to emerge. The intensity of leaks about the iPhone 18 Pro, in particular, is expected to grow after a major cyber attack that revealed thousands of internal Apple documents, containing supposed information about suppliers and testing stages of the device.

Although Apple’s new iPhones won’t hit the market for a few months, you can compile the most reliable and likely information in one place.

Expected increase in prices for the iPhone 18 line

For anyone planning to purchase a new iPhone, September should be the month to watch. This period is historically the date of Apple’s big launch event, and there are no indications that this tradition will change in 2026.

The expectation is that Apple’s new CEO, John Ternus, will be responsible for presenting the products, as his term officially begins on September 1st. Ternus, with his hardware experience, could influence the company’s future design directions, although the immediate changes will be more incremental.

More on this story: Apple reduces the price of the iPhone 17 Pro in China to slow Huawei’s advance

Launches, however, may have a higher cost for consumers. The global shortage of RAM memory, driven by growing demand from the artificial intelligence industry – a phenomenon dubbed “RAMageddon” – is causing a significant increase in the prices of various devices, such as cell phones, notebooks and video game consoles. According to experts, this escalation of costs is not likely to stop anytime soon.

Although Apple, being the largest global smartphone manufacturer, enjoys certain competitive advantages, price increases seem to be inevitable. Previously, there was a different expectation, as the company had raised the prices of its new MacBooks earlier this year, while also introducing a low-cost laptop for $599, which put pressure on Windows competitors.

However, Apple CEO Tim Cook, at the end of his term, took the unusual step of warning about the possibility of more expensive iPhones. In an interview, Cook stated that “price increases are inevitable,” and an analysis revealed that the memory components for the iPhone 18 Pro chip will cost Apple $150 more compared to the iPhone 17 Pro.

It would be naive to expect the new iPhones to cost just $150 more than their predecessors. Apple is a profit-focused corporation, and the iPhone maintains its position as the number one smartphone in the world for specific reasons, even though it already costs more than Samsung models.

The extent of the increase that Apple consumers will have to bear is still uncertain, but the Wall Street Journal predicted the price of the iPhone 18 Pro at US$1,299, representing an increase of US$200 over the previous year.

Date predictions for the launch of the iPhone 18, 18 Pro and 18 Ultra

Barring a significant change in Ternus’ management, Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and foldable iPhone Ultra in early September. The company’s first foldable model is undoubtedly the big innovation, but the Pro models will also come with several improvements.

There are, however, rumors that the iPhone 18, accompanied by the most affordable model, the iPhone 18e, and the next generation iPhone Air, will be launched in March 2027.

Learn more: Apple’s prediction about the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro shakes the technology market

Details about the design of the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Pro models

Apple has not yet revealed official previews or images of the iPhone 18 line, which makes all information released so far subject to correction. Even so, analysis of the reports suggests that the company does not intend to revolutionize design. However, CEO Ternus, known for his hardware expertise, may be giving more focus to Apple’s industrial design group, signaling future innovations.

Looking into the future, there are signs that the iPhone 20 could introduce major transformations, such as a curved screen with a waterfall effect.

Screen sizes should remain practically identical to the previous year:

• iPhone 18: 6.3 inches
• iPhone 18 Pro: 6.3 inches
• iPhone 18 Pro Max: 6.9 inches

However, the quality of the displays may differ this year. Leaker Instant Digital reported on Chinese platforms that Apple’s brightness specifications are unusually high, suggesting considerably brighter screens compared to previous models.

Some of the new iPhone 18s may feature a reduced camera bump compared to previous models. Additionally, there is information about a slightly redesigned Dynamic Island on the screen, with the pill-shaped notification center area possibly smaller on the iPhone 18 Pro models. A leaked image suggests an iPhone 18 Pro with the more compact Dynamic Island cutout.

The color options for the iPhone 18 generate curiosity, and, at least for the iPhone 18 Pro, the choices seem to have already been revealed through leaks. Previous reports indicated that Apple was testing a “dark red” tone for the iPhone 18 Pro, and a new report from MacWorld corroborates this information. The color palette for the iPhone 18 Pro should include silver, gray, light blue and a tone called “dark cherry”, which probably corresponds to the dark red mentioned above.

Unfortunately, black iPhone enthusiasts may not have the option they want again.

Rumors about iPhone 18’s new hardware features

The iPhone 18’s operating system has already been confirmed as iOS 27, revealed at WWDC 2026. Now, it’s time to address the supposed internal hardware modifications that Apple would be integrating into the new line of iPhones.

Initially, all versions of the line should come with 12 GB of RAM. In previous years, only the Pro models offered 12GB, while the basic version had 8GB. According to the Korean website The Bell, Apple will standardize the basic model’s RAM with that of the Pro models. Furthermore, there is a strong expectation that Apple will use the new A20 and A20 Pro chips in the basic and Pro models, respectively.

On the same topic: New information about the iPhone 18 reveals staggered launches and price increase

The next iPhones are also expected to incorporate a new C2 modem, improving cellular connectivity and offering support for 5G via satellite. Rumors also indicate the presence of a new N2 chip to optimize Wi-Fi performance.

Latest rumors about the features of the iPhone 18 Pro

With regard to the iPhone 18 Pro, the expectation is that Apple will increase the battery capacity in the premium models in the line later this year.

Tipster Digital Chat Station revealed on Weibo that the batteries could exceed 5,000 mAh, which would be an improvement compared to the iPhone 17 Pro.

In another leak on Weibo, Instant Digital reported that the rear glass of the iPhone 18 Pro has been modified, giving it a uniform appearance, different from the two-tone design of the iPhone 17 Pro. The question remains whether this change will impact durability or whether it is merely an aesthetic distinction.

Other expected new features include Apple’s A20 Pro chip, an improved LTPO+ screen, Apple’s C2 modem, 5G satellite connectivity and the N2 chip, which promises to increase hotspot and AirDrop reliability.

Expectations for the iPhone 18 Pro Max

Several reports originating in China suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will come with a significantly larger capacity battery, which would make it a slightly more robust device.

However, the increase in weight and width will not be drastic, with just a quarter of a millimeter of additional thickness and 7 grams more. Still, every ounce is relevant for the fuller-bodied iPhone model, so anyone considering upgrading from the iPhone 17 Pro Max should check whether the new bulk of the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be comfortable.

What is known about the iPhone 18 camera

Full coverage: Latest News (EN)

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, a frequently accurate iPhone source, assures that the iPhone 18 Pro, in particular, will feature “some of the biggest camera hardware improvements in the line’s history.”

The explanation for this lies, firstly, in the telephoto lens with a larger aperture, but, even more relevantly, in the introduction of variable aperture.

As was initially reported by Digital Chat Station on Weibo, variable opening represents an important advance. This technology would enable the iPhone 18 Pro camera to adjust the amount of light captured in varying conditions, which could lead to a notable leap in image quality, especially for photographers who master the feature.

For example, the well-known bokeh effect, often associated with the iPhone’s portrait mode, could be achieved directly by the camera, eliminating the need for software processing. This would result in more natural-looking and generally more pleasant photographs.

Siri enhancements with artificial intelligence

Naturally, one of users’ main curiosities when they have the iPhone 18 in their hands will be about the new Siri experience, which has been renewed and improved with artificial intelligence features.

For the most daring, the beta version of iOS 27 is now available for testing.

Among the new features, Siri transforms into a complete chatbot, with its own application. In addition, it will be able to interpret the content displayed on the screen, offering support for writing, image creation and photo editing.