Fresh Leaks Hint at Major Upgrades for Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Lineup
Exciting new rumors about Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max have surfaced online. A well-known Chinese leaker, Digital Chat Station, recently shared details on Weibo, suggesting significant design and technological advancements for these premium models.
Under-Screen Face ID and Display Sizes
According to the leak, both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will likely feature an under-screen Face ID system. This means the facial recognition technology would be embedded beneath the display, eliminating the need for a visible notch or cutout.
The tipster also indicated that the display sizes will remain consistent with the current iPhone 17 Pro series. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to retain a 6.3-inch screen, while the Pro Max model will keep its 6.9-inch display.
Potential Design Changes and Camera Relocation
In a notable shift, Apple might move the front-facing camera to the top-left corner of the screen. This adjustment would remove the familiar pill-shaped cutout seen in recent iPhones.
It remains unclear whether this change will affect the Dynamic Island feature. Apple introduced Dynamic Island with the iPhone 14 Pro, integrating software around the cutout for notifications and alerts. The new design could either modify or replace this functionality entirely.
Launch Timeline and Model Variations
Apple typically unveils new iPhone models during its annual September event. However, reports suggest the 2026 launch schedule might see some adjustments.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are still expected to debut in September 2026. Interestingly, the standard iPhone 18 model could skip the fall event. Instead, it might launch alongside the iPhone Air 2 in March of the following year.
The leaker also mentioned display sizes for the base iPhone 18 and the rumored iPhone Air 2, which is anticipated as a successor to the slim iPhone Air.
Powerful A20 Pro Chip and Battery Improvements
Apple's next-generation A20 Pro chip is rumored to power the iPhone 18 Pro Max. This processor would mark a major milestone as Apple's first chip built on a 2-nanometer manufacturing process.
The A20 Pro is expected to utilize Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) packaging. This advanced technology should make the chip more compact, significantly more powerful, and highly energy-efficient compared to previous versions.
Additionally, Apple may introduce its own in-house modem for the Pro models, moving away from third-party suppliers. This switch, combined with the efficient A20 Pro chip, could dramatically improve battery life, offering users longer usage between charges.
These leaks align with earlier reports from The Information, which also predicted under-screen Face ID for the iPhone 18 Pro series. As always with Apple rumors, details may change as development progresses, but these insights paint an intriguing picture of what's to come.
