While the iPhone 17 series have only been on the market for a few months, early reports for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max expected in September 2026 suggest Apple is preparing its most significant hardware leap in years. According to supply chain analysts and recent leaks from 9To5Mac, the 2026 Pro lineup will focus on professional-grade optics and a “silicon-first” connectivity strategy.
In a first for iPhone, the Pro Max model is rumored to feature a mechanical variable aperture on its 48MP main sensor. This allows users to physically adjust light intake and depth of field, reducing the need for software-heavy portrait effects. By moving infrared sensors beneath the screen, Apple may finally shrink the Dynamic Island to a significantly smaller pill-shaped cutout, maximizing usable display area. The iPhone 18 Pro will likely be the first to feature the A20 Pro chip, built on TSMC’s cutting-edge 2nm process. This jump from 3nm is expected to deliver a 15% boost in speed and a 30% improvement in energy efficiency.
Connectivity and Battery: The lineup is expected to fully transition to Apple’s in-house C2 5G modem, which may support satellite-based 5G data for connectivity in remote areas. To power these advancements, the Pro Max could house a massive 5,200mAh battery—the largest ever in an iPhone.
Aesthetically, Apple is reportedly testing richer titanium finishes in Burgundy, Deep Purple, and “Coffee” Brown, potentially moving away from the standard black and gray neutrals of previous year
