Under-Display Face ID, Variable Aperture Camera and Record Battery Life Expected

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are shaping up as major upgrades when they launch in September 2026, with leaks pointing to under-display Face ID, a variable aperture main camera, a record-breaking battery and the A20 Pro chip built on advanced 2nm process technology.

The premium models will debut alongside Apple’s first foldable iPhone in the fall, while the standard iPhone 18 and lower-end variants shift to spring 2027. Production testing for the iPhone 18 Pro series reportedly began in late 2025, with trial manufacturing underway by February 2026, signaling a timeline on track for the traditional September event.

A key highlight is the rumored shift to under-display Face ID, eliminating the Dynamic Island pill on Pro models. Multiple sources, including supply chain reports from South Korea and Chinese leakers like Digital Chat Station, indicate Samsung-supplied LTPO+ OLED panels will embed infrared Face ID sensors beneath the screen. This leaves only a punch-hole front camera (potentially shifted slightly left) visible, creating a cleaner, more seamless display. The redesign could shrink the visible cutout significantly compared to the iPhone 17 series, while maintaining full Face ID functionality and security.

Display sizes are expected to remain similar: around 6.3 inches for the iPhone 18 Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max, with LTPO+ technology enabling higher refresh rates at lower power draw for improved efficiency and battery life.

Camera upgrades dominate speculation. Leaks suggest the 48-megapixel Fusion main sensor gains variable aperture, allowing users to adjust depth of field and light intake dynamically — a first for iPhone — offering greater creative control in photos, especially portraits and low-light shots. The telephoto lens could see a wider aperture than the current f/2.8, enhancing zoom performance and subject isolation. Additional rumors mention refined Camera Control hardware (version 2.0) and potential new color options like deep red, brown, purple or burgundy to refresh the aesthetic.

Battery capacity is another major rumored leap. The iPhone 18 Pro Max could feature a 5,000mAh+ cell — possibly 5,100-5,200mAh depending on SIM configuration — delivering up to 40 hours of usage on a single charge, shattering previous iPhone records. This stems from internal space optimizations, including eSIM-only models in some regions freeing room for larger cells, combined with the power-efficient A20 Pro chip.

The A20 Pro processor, fabricated on a 2nm process (likely by TSMC), promises substantial gains in speed, efficiency and thermal management over the A19 series. Paired with an in-house C2 or N2 modem for improved Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cellular performance, the chip should enable smoother multitasking, enhanced Apple Intelligence features and longer endurance.

Design remains evolutionary rather than revolutionary. The rear camera plateau and overall form factor are expected to carry over from the iPhone 17 Pro, with minor refinements like a more unified two-tone look or slightly thicker, heavier build for some models. No major redesign is anticipated until a potential 20th-anniversary overhaul in 2027.

Pricing is projected to hold steady at $1,099 for the iPhone 18 Pro and $1,199 for the Pro Max, though global economic factors and component costs could influence final figures. The foldable companion, rumored at around $1,999-$2,399, may reshape perceptions of premium pricing.

As trial production advances and supply chain chatter intensifies, the iPhone 18 Pro series appears poised to deliver meaningful upgrades in photography, battery life and display tech without dramatic overhauls. With the foldable iPhone entering the mix, Apple’s fall 2026 lineup could mark one of its most ambitious in years, balancing familiarity with forward-looking innovation.