Apple is now just some days away from unveiling its next-generation iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The company is also expected to introduce its first foldable iPhone at the same event.
Apple is expected to reveal the new devices during its annual fall iPhone event, which carries the tagline “Surprise and shine” this year.
The event is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9. While we wait, here is a look at the features and changes currently expected for Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro models.
- Overall Design: The iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to retain much of the overall design introduced with the iPhone 17 Pro. However, the rear casing could have a more seamless appearance, with less visible contrast between the glass and aluminum frame.
- Battery Life: The iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumored to come with a larger 5,100–5,200 mAh battery. The bigger battery could also make the phone slightly thicker and heavier.
- Smaller Dynamic Island: Apple is reportedly planning to reduce the size of the Dynamic Island by moving some of the Face ID components underneath the display.
- Upgraded Display: The iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to feature a more power-efficient LTPO+ display. Samsung Display and LG Display are said to be supplying the panels.
- A20 Pro Chip: Apple’s next-generation chip is expected to use TSMC’s advanced 2nm manufacturing process along with Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) technology. These changes could improve both performance and power efficiency.
- C2 Modem: Apple’s next-generation in-house cellular modem, known as the C2, could make its way into the Pro models. It is expected to offer faster speeds and improved efficiency. However, the C2 may still lack mmWave support. As a result, Apple could use a Qualcomm modem in the United States while using its own C2 modem in other regions.
- New Camera Sensor: Samsung is believed to have developed a new three-layer stacked image sensor for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. The sensor is expected to improve responsiveness, reduce noise, and provide better dynamic range.
- Variable Aperture: The 48-megapixel Fusion camera on both iPhone 18 Pro models could gain a variable aperture. This would provide greater control over incoming light and depth of field.
- 5G Satellite Internet: The iPhone 18 Pro models could support full 5G connectivity through satellite. This would represent a significant expansion of Apple’s existing satellite-based emergency capabilities.
- Simplified Camera Control: Apple is reportedly redesigning the Camera Control button. The new version could use pressure sensing without a separate capacitive layer, helping reduce complexity and cost.
- New Colors: Apple has reportedly tested several new finishes. The three colors currently expected are Light Blue, Dark Cherry, and Silver. A Black option is no longer expected.
- iOS 27: The iPhone 18 Pro will reportedly launch with iOS 27, including Apple’s revamped Siri AI experience. The updated Siri is expected to feature onscreen awareness, personal context, web knowledge, and expanded Apple Intelligence capabilities.
Apple has held its fall event during the first two weeks of September for several consecutive years, with new iPhones typically becoming available the following Friday. This year, iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max pre-orders are rumored to begin on Saturday, September 12, at 12 a.m. Pacific Time.
It is also important to note that Apple is not expected to release a standard iPhone 18 in September 2026. Instead, the September lineup will focus on Apple’s latest premium iPhone models.
The iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 are expected to arrive in spring 2027.
For everything currently known about Apple’s foldable “iPhone Ultra,” there is a separate dedicated roundup covering the device.
