At a Glance
- Apple may debut an under-display Face ID and a top-left front camera on the iPhone 18.
- The Pro models could include a camera with a variable aperture and a 24-megapixel selfie sensor.
- Release dates could split the lineup between September 2026 and February/March 2027.
- Why it matters: These changes signal Apple’s push toward a more seamless display and advanced photography.
Apple’s next-generation iPhone is already the subject of a flood of leaks and rumors. While the iPhone 17 series launched on September 19, 2025 and impressed with a feature-packed base model, the slender iPhone Air and redesigned Pro variants, speculation about the 2026-27 iPhone 18 lineup is already shaping expectations. With the company nearing the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone, the stakes are high for sales, innovation and brand relevance.
Design and Color Rumors
Apple is expected to offer three core iPhone 18 models: the base iPhone 18, the iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone 18 Pro Max. A potential second-generation Air and a rumored foldable iPhone could bring the total to six devices.
| Feature | iPhone 18 | iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.3″ | 6.3″ | 6.9″ |
| Camera bump | Smaller | Wider plateau | Wider plateau |
| Color options | • Coffee brown | • Coffee brown, purple, burgundy | • Coffee brown, purple, burgundy |
| Rear glass | Standard | Possible subtle transparent finish | Possible subtle transparent finish |
Rumors suggest the Pro models may adopt a more unified design, moving away from the current two-tone look. A Chinese leaker on Weibo reported a “subtle transparent finish” on the rear glass panel and hinted at a heavier, thicker build. The new color palette includes coffee brown, purple and burgundy, adding a more subdued aesthetic to Apple’s lineup.
Camera Enhancements
Apple’s camera system is likely to receive significant upgrades, especially on the Pro line.
- Variable aperture on at least one rear lens, allowing control over depth of field and brightness.
- The telephoto lens on the Pro and Pro Max could feature a faster aperture for better low-light performance.
- All iPhone 18 models (except the iPhone 18 E) are rumored to receive a 24-megapixel front-facing camera.
The variable-aperture feature is not new to smartphones. The Galaxy S9 (2018) had a dual-aperture main camera, and Xiaomi’s 2023 13 Ultra and 2024 14 Ultra also incorporated it. Apple’s implementation could push the technology further, especially if paired with a larger sensor.
| Camera | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wide-angle | f/1.6 | f/1.5-f/2.4 (variable) | f/1.5-f/2.4 (variable) |
| Ultrawide | f/2.4 | f/2.4 | f/2.4 |
| Telephoto | f/2.8 | f/1.8 (faster) | f/1.8 (faster) |
| Front | 18 MP (Center Stage) | 24 MP | 24 MP |
The rumored mechanical iris on the Pro’s rear camera would allow the lens to adjust aperture during shooting, potentially improving image quality and depth of field.
Chip and Connectivity
The iPhone 18 is expected to ship with Apple’s new A20 processor, built on a wafer-level multi-chip module that integrates RAM, CPU, GPU and neural engine on a single wafer. This design promises better efficiency and faster performance.
Other hardware rumors include:
- 12 GB of RAM for the iPhone 18, as reported by analyst Jeff Pu.
- A next-generation C2 modem chip for improved wireless connectivity.
- Support for 5G satellite networks, giving the device full satellite phone capabilities.
- iOS 26 will run on the new hardware.
These upgrades align with Apple’s focus on performance and connectivity, especially as it explores satellite-enabled services.
Release Schedule
Apple traditionally launches new iPhones in the fall, but the 2026-27 lineup may break that pattern. Bloomberg reports that the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and a potential foldable device could debut in the fall of 2026. The base iPhone 18, iPhone 18 E and a possible iPhone Air 2 might launch six months later in February or March 2027.
| Event | Date | Devices | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | September/October | iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, foldable | First launch of new hardware |
| Spring 2027 | February/March | iPhone 18, iPhone 18 E, Air 2 | Secondary launch window |
The split release strategy could keep consumer interest high across a longer period and give Apple flexibility in production.
Key Takeaways
- Apple may introduce an under-display Face ID and a top-left front camera on the iPhone 18.
- Variable-aperture cameras and a 24-megapixel selfie sensor are expected on Pro models.
- The A20 chip and 12 GB of RAM signal a performance boost.
- Release dates could be split between fall 2026 and spring 2027.
- Color options will include coffee brown, purple and burgundy, offering a more subdued palette.
These rumors paint a picture of an iPhone 18 that prioritizes display continuity, photographic versatility and cutting-edge hardware. While Apple has yet to confirm any of these details, the leaks suggest a significant evolution from the iPhone 17 lineup.
