iPhone 18 series 2026: results
- The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to be released in September 2026.
- iPhone 18 and 18e may not appear until spring 2027
- It is also reported that the foldable iPhone will be released in September 2026.
- Smaller dynamic island, improved camera aperture, C2 5G modem
Another year, another iPhone, right? Not so fast. As Apple demonstrated with the 2025 iPhone Air and the surprisingly full-featured regular iPhone 17, sometimes the company can surprise us with something new.
In addition to ultra-premium foldable iphoneApple will reportedly unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in fall 2026, followed by the base iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e in spring 2027 in a new schedule shakeup.
Here's a rundown of what to expect from the iPhone 18 models, according to all the rumors and leaks.
iPhone 18/18 Pro: latest rumors
October 27: Weibo Digital Chat Station insider reports that iPhone 18 Pro Max will have variable aperture lens for the first time.
iPhone 18/18 Pro design: three models, similar design
Currently, there are rumors that we will see the base iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max. And that's in addition to any non-iPhone 18 models, such as the rumored foldable iPhone and the second-generation Air.
The design is said to be reminiscent of the current iPhone 17 lineup. The base iPhone 18 will have a smaller camera bump than the iPhone 17, while the Pro and Pro Max will have a wider raised plateau with three cameras. Screen sizes should match the 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays on current models.
One of the possible design changes, according to Weibo leaderlocated in the charging area on the back of iPhone 18 Pro models. The ceramic screen section will reportedly be “slightly transparent,” but what that means isn't entirely clear.
iPhone 18/18 Pro Camera: Aperture Update
Apple just updated the iPhone 17's camera system with 48MP sensors, so it's unlikely there will be any significant changes to the hardware. One major rumor we've heard about the iPhone 18's camera system comes from an insider. Digital chat station on Weibowhich reports that the iPhone 18 Pro Max (and only this model) will have a camera with a mechanically adjustable aperture, like a DSLR. This will give users great control over background blur, but primarily with the ability to keep the foreground and background sharp.
The telephoto lenses of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to have a larger overall aperture, allowing for clearer photos in low-light conditions.
Britta O'Boyle
iPhone 18/18 Pro: Dynamic Island
Apple hasn't changed the size and shape of the Dynamic Island since its introduction on the iPhone 14 Pro, but some reports suggest there could be changes to the iPhone 18's camera cutout. Some claim there will only be a small cutout for the camera and the entire Face ID block will be below the display, but most reports suggest these changes will be limited to the foldable iPhone or appear on the 20th Anniversary model.
However, it may still look different. Bloomberg's ever-reliable Mark Gurman said Apple “shrink” dynamic island on iPhone 18 models, which suggests that some Several sensors and emitters required for Face ID will be located under the display or combined.
iPhone 18/18 Pro Specifications: A20 Chip
The iPhone 18 lineup will be equipped with the new A20 processorlikely made using TSMC's new 2nm manufacturing process (which could allow for more complex chips in the same area and could potentially offer better power efficiency).
There are rumors that A20 use new process called wafer-level multi-chip module (WMCM) packaging for incorporating RAM into an SoC package. It's unclear what the benefit would be, but more tightly integrated RAM could mean more memory bandwidth and lower RAM latency or better power efficiency.
iPhone 18/18 Pro: wireless connection
While the iPhone Air features a more advanced version of Apple's C1 modem, dubbed C1X, the other iPhone 17 models still use Qualcomm wireless modems. The situation will probably change in the iPhone 18 line.
We're told the iPhone 18 phones, including the Pro and Pro Max, will feature a new C2 modem. It's unclear what features it will offer, but it should certainly offer better performance and power efficiency than the C1X, and likely support high-speed mmWave networks in addition to standard Sub-6 networks.
Apple also introduced its LAN chip in the iPhone 17 lineup; The N1 supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread networks.. We haven't heard anything about the upcoming N2, and to be honest, it probably won't be needed that soon. Could Apple have a surprise “N1X” like it did with the C1X? This is possible, but for now there are rumors that Apple will build the iPhone 18 line with the same N1 chip found in the iPhone 17.
However, a report from The Information states that Apple is preparing to support 5G networks served from satellitesnamely Starlink satellites. While the iPhone has offered satellite connectivity for emergencies for years, this will allow iPhone 18 models to have full internet access via satellite, not just emergency services.
iPhone 18/18 Pro release date: split launch
Were consistent reports over time that Apple will change the release schedule. Apple will reportedly release only high-end models in September 2026: the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, a new foldable iPhone, and possibly an updated iPhone Air.
This means the base iPhone 18 model will wait until spring 2027, when it will reportedly launch alongside the iPhone 18e. This is a big step forward for Apple and means all new iPhones next year will cost $999 and up.
iPhone 18/18 Pro prices: wide range
We haven't seen any reports of price changes for the existing iPhone lineup in 2026. Currently, the iPhone 17 starts at $799, the iPhone Air starts at $999, and the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models start at $1,099 and $1,199, respectively. However, the arrival of the foldable iPhone could dramatically change the pricing structure, as it will reportedly have a starting price of $1,999 or more.
