iPhone 18 Pro Leaks: Leaks surrounding the upcoming Apple iPhone 18 Pro series suggest one of the most significant evolutions in recent iPhone history. From a noticeably smaller Dynamic Island to Apple’s first 2nm A20 Pro chip and advanced camera hardware, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max appear set for meaningful upgrades rather than cosmetic tweaks.
Reports sourced from multiple reliable outlets and tipsters also point to a major shift in Apple’s launch strategy, with Pro models expected in September 2026 and standard variants potentially delayed. While Apple has made no official announcements, the growing consistency across leaks offers a clearer picture of what users can expect next.
Key Highlights of iPhone 18 Pro Series Leaks: Design, Performance, Camera, and Launch Timeline
- iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max tipped to feature a 35% smaller Dynamic Island
- Partial under-display Face ID expected, with some visible elements remaining
- A20 Pro chipset built on a 2nm process with WMCM packaging
- Possible mechanical iris camera system for variable aperture control
- LTPO+ OLED displays with refresh rate scaling down to 1Hz
- New Pro colour options including purple and burgundy under testing
- Apple may adopt a split launch strategy, delaying base models to 2027
- Expected India pricing starts at ₹1,34,900 for Pro and ₹1,49,900 for Pro Max
Smaller Dynamic Island: The Most Visible Design Change
One of the most talked-about leaks concerns Dynamic Island. According to multiple reports and tipster Ice Universe, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max may feature a Dynamic Island measuring 13.49mm, down from 20.7mm on the iPhone 17 Pro models. This represents an approximate 35 percent reduction in size.
The downsizing is reportedly made possible by Apple moving infrared Face ID components under the display. However, leaks consistently clarify that not all Face ID elements will sit beneath a transparent display area. As a result, the Dynamic Island is expected to remain, though in a smaller and possibly slightly repositioned form rather than being removed entirely.
Conflicting reports exist regarding the selfie camera placement. Some leaks suggest it could shift to the top-left corner, while others indicate it will remain centred within the smaller Dynamic Island. Both claims are currently circulating, with no definitive confirmation.
Display Technology: LTPO+ OLED with Improved Efficiency
The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is widely expected to adopt LTPO+ OLED displays, an upgrade over the current LTPO panels. These displays are said to dynamically adjust refresh rates down to 1Hz, helping conserve battery during static content viewing.
Screen sizes are expected to remain unchanged:
- 6.27-inch 120Hz display for iPhone 18 Pro
- 6.86-inch 120Hz display for iPhone 18 Pro Max
In addition to efficiency improvements, reports suggest Apple may enhance display brightness by shifting more panel production to Samsung Display, following manufacturing issues faced by BOE.
A20 Pro Chip: Apple’s First 2nm Processor
Performance upgrades appear substantial. The iPhone 18 Pro series is expected to debut the A20 Pro chipset, which leaks describe as Apple’s first processor built on a 2nm manufacturing process.
The chip is also tipped to use Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) packaging, allowing components such as RAM, CPU, and GPU to be integrated more closely. This approach is expected to deliver better performance, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced thermal management.
If accurate, this would mark one of Apple’s most significant silicon advancements since the transition to custom chips.
Also Read: Apple iOS 26.2 Update Set for Early Release: Features, Security Fixes and Supported Devices
Advanced Camera Upgrades: Mechanical Iris and Better Low-Light Performance
Camera improvements are another major focus of the leaks. Reports indicate that at least one rear camera on the iPhone 18 Pro models may feature a mechanical iris system, enabling variable aperture control.
This hardware-level upgrade could allow:
- Better exposure control in challenging lighting
- More natural background blur
- Reduced reliance on heavy software post-processing
- Improved low-light photography with lower noise
Some leaks suggest this feature may be exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro Max, while both Pro models are expected to see general improvements in image processing and video recording. The entire iPhone 18 lineup is also tipped to receive upgraded selfie cameras.
Colours and External Design Refinements
Leaks indicate Apple may refresh its Pro colour palette again. Following Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue on the iPhone 17 Pro series, the iPhone 18 Pro lineup is reportedly testing purple, burgundy, and brown finishes.
Design-wise, changes are described as evolutionary rather than radical. The front may appear cleaner due to the smaller Dynamic Island, while the rear could adopt a more unified look, potentially moving away from the two-tone finish seen previously.
Launch Timeline and Split Launch Strategy
Multiple sources point to a notable shift in Apple’s release strategy. The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Fold are widely expected to launch in September 2026, following Apple’s traditional schedule.
However, leaks suggest the base iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and next-generation iPhone Air could be delayed to early 2027, marking a split launch approach instead of unveiling all models together.
Expected Pricing in India
While pricing has not been officially confirmed, leaks suggest the following starting prices in India:
- iPhone 18 Pro: ₹1,34,900
- iPhone 18 Pro Max: ₹1,49,900
Final prices are expected to vary based on storage options and configuration upgrades announced closer to launch.
What These Leaks Reveal About Apple’s Direction
Taken together, the leaks indicate Apple is focusing on refinement through technology rather than dramatic redesigns. The emphasis on silicon advancements, camera hardware, display efficiency, and a cleaner front design suggests the iPhone 18 Pro series could deliver one of the most meaningful upgrades in years, especially for users prioritising performance and photography.
Why the iPhone 18 Pro Series Could Mark a Turning Point
Rather than chasing dramatic visual changes, Apple appears to be quietly reshaping the iPhone experience from the inside out. A smaller Dynamic Island, under-display Face ID elements, a powerful 2nm A20 Pro chip, and advanced camera hardware together signal a calculated evolution. If the reported split launch strategy materialises, it may also reflect Apple’s shifting priorities toward premium devices.
While all details remain based on leaks, the consistency across sources suggests the iPhone 18 Pro series could represent a significant step forward when it arrives in September 2026.
FAQs on iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Pro Leaks
1. What is the biggest design change expected in the iPhone 18 Pro series?
The iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to feature a 35% smaller Dynamic Island enabled by partial under-display Face ID components, offering a cleaner and more refined front design.
2. Will the Dynamic Island be removed from iPhone 18 Pro?
No, leaks suggest the Dynamic Island will remain but in a significantly smaller size, as Apple is not expected to remove it entirely due to its deep software integration.
3. What processor will power the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max?
The iPhone 18 Pro series is expected to run on Apple’s A20 Pro chip, built on a 2nm process, promising major gains in performance, efficiency, and thermal management.
4. Are there any major camera upgrades expected in iPhone 18 Pro?
Yes, leaks indicate a mechanical iris with variable aperture control on at least one rear camera, improving low-light photography, exposure control, and natural depth-of-field effects.
5. When will the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max launch in India?
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are widely expected to launch in September 2026, while base iPhone 18 models may be released later in early 2027.
