More than six months before the anticipated debut of Apple’s next premium smartphones, industry analysts are pointing to a series of hardware and design changes expected for the iPhone 18 Pro generation.
According to analyst Jeff Pu, at least five upgrades appear likely for the successors to the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. While speculation has also centered on Apple’s first foldable handset, reportedly dubbed the iPhone Fold, attention remains focused on refinements to the company’s flagship Pro models.
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One of the most visible changes is expected to be a smaller Dynamic Island cutout. Apple is said to be moving some Face ID components beneath the display, marking a transitional step toward a future iPhone with no visible cutouts. Such a fully uninterrupted display is widely anticipated for a potential anniversary model in 2027.
Camera hardware could also see a notable update. The iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to introduce a variable aperture system for the 48-megapixel main camera, bringing a feature common in traditional photography to Apple’s smartphones. The addition would allow users to better control light intake and depth of field, enabling effects such as starbursts. Variable aperture systems have appeared on several Android flagships in recent years.
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On the silicon side, the devices are expected to debut the Apple A20 Pro, which analysts believe will be built on a new 2-nanometer manufacturing process aimed at improving power efficiency. “For the first time in years, the Apple A20 Pro is expected to be significantly more efficient thanks to a new 2nm process,” the report noted. The lineup may also introduce the Apple N2 connectivity chip and a second-generation in-house 5G modem, the Apple C2, as Apple continues efforts to reduce reliance on third-party suppliers and improve performance across wireless and cellular connectivity.
Source: Macrumors