Leaked information from reputable sources suggests Apple is preparing a major evolution for its flagship lineup, with both refined design tweaks and impressive new technologies set to debut on the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

Smaller Dynamic Island

According to Weibo user Instant Digital - known for accurately leaking Apple product details in the past - the iPhone 18 lineup, including the base and Pro models, will feature a slightly smaller Dynamic Island.

However, under-display Face ID technology is not expected until 2026.

Previous rumors suggested that the iPhone 17 Pro would introduce a more compact Dynamic Island, but the design remained unchanged. This time, however, multiple sources believe a change is more likely, especially as a stepping stone toward Apple’s anticipated all-glass iPhone to celebrate the 20th anniversary.

Face ID under the display is predicted to arrive with the iPhone 19 Pro once the technology matures.

Instant Digital, followed by over 1.5 million people on Weibo, has accurately revealed features such as the vapor chamber cooling in iPhone 17 Pro, the yellow iPhone 14, and the Titanium Milanese Loop band for the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

That said, not all of their leaks have proven to be fully accurate.

Semi-transparent MagSafe area design

Another leak from Digital Chat Station - a Weibo account with over 3 million followers and a strong track record - claims the iPhone 18 Pro will retain the general design of its predecessor.

The camera cluster will remain in the “triangular” layout, housed in a slightly raised plateau. Screen sizes are expected to stay the same: 6.3 inches for the iPhone 18 Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max model, matching previous generations.

The key design difference lies in the rear panel.

The Ceramic Shield on the back may feature a light “frosted” or semi-transparent finish, especially around the MagSafe area.

This would replace the current matte glass with a more luxurious haze effect, offering a new visual highlight.

Apple has not confirmed these details, so users must wait for more leaks or prototype images.

48MP main camera with variable aperture

According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, both the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max will feature a 48MP main camera equipped with variable aperture – a feature commonly found in high-end professional cameras and premium Android phones.

Variable aperture allows users to control the amount of light entering the lens and adjust the depth of field, enabling either a soft background blur or sharper focus as needed.

Currently, from the iPhone 14 Pro through the 17 Pro, Apple has used a fixed f/1.78 aperture, always wide open regardless of shooting conditions.

This new feature promises more control in varied lighting environments, delivering more natural and dynamic images.

Although iPhones use smaller sensors than dedicated cameras, which may limit this feature's full potential, it still marks a step forward in Apple’s drive to “professionalize” mobile photography.

A20 Pro chip with 2nm architecture for groundbreaking performance

Another major upgrade is the A20 Pro chip, built on TSMC’s cutting-edge 2nm process – the first time Apple will use this next-gen technology.

This architecture promises not only significant performance boosts but also improved energy efficiency.

If true, this could make the iPhone 18 Pro the most powerful upgrade in years, outperforming even the A19 Pro in the iPhone 17 Pro.

Additionally, Apple is rumored to debut its in-house C2 modem, which supports mmWave 5G in the US for faster, more stable connections.

Revamped camera control button

Lastly, Apple is expected to redesign the Camera Control button on the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

Rather than relying on swipe gestures, the new button may be pressure-sensitive, allowing users to zoom or focus based on how hard they press – much like the shutter button on DSLR cameras.

This is one of the most highly anticipated upgrades for iPhone photographers, enhancing mobile content creation and video shooting.

While it’s still early to confirm all rumors, it's clear that the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are shaping up to be refinement-focused updates, emphasizing performance, design elegance, and user-centric features.

From a smaller Dynamic Island and a variable aperture camera to a groundbreaking A20 Pro chip, every change points to a more refined and powerful iPhone experience.

If these rumors prove true, the iPhone 18 Pro could be Apple’s most balanced and complete flagship of the decade.

Hai Phong