iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: Expected Features Ahead of September 2026 Launch

Apple plans to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in September 2026. Leaks indicate a reduced Dynamic Island achieved by moving Face ID components under the display, a unified rear finish that blends aluminum and glass, and four Pantone-coded colors: Light Blue (2121), Dark Cherry (6076), Dark Gray (426C) and Silver (427C). A larger battery is expected to make the Max model thicker and heavier, while the Pro model may receive a modest increase. The launch will be the first flagship under CEO John Ternus, who succeeded Tim Cook earlier this year.

New iPhone 18 Pro Max prototype leak gives a first look at Apple's new, smaller Dynamic Island

The devices should run the A20 Pro chip built on TSMC’s 2 nm process, promising roughly 30 % faster performance and 15 % better efficiency than the A19 Pro. A 6.3-inch ProMotion display with 120 Hz refresh is expected. Camera hardware will retain a 48 MP triple-camera array but add a mechanical variable aperture on the main lens and larger apertures on ultra-wide and telephoto units. The Pro Max may house a 5,100–5,200 mAh battery, and both models will use Apple’s in-house C2 5G modem with satellite connectivity.

iPhone 18 Pro launching soon: Expected price, colours, display and big camera upgrades9to5MacNew iPhone 18 Pro Max prototype leak gives a first look at Apple's new, smaller Dynamic IslandDigital TrendsFirst look at iPhone 18 Pro suggests bold innovationTom's Guide

Camera Control 2.0, introduced with the iPhone 16, was widely criticized as “overly complicated and finicky,” leading to rumors that Apple will simplify the feature for the 18 Pro line.

9to5Mac

Sources differ on the A20 Pro process node (2 nm vs. 3 nm) and on battery upgrades (both Pro models versus only the Max). Color listings also vary, with some leaks adding a Deep Red or Burgundy option beyond the four Pantone shades.

9to5Mac

• “As my colleague Ben explains: You can have a shallow DoF when you want to isolate the subject from the background, a medium DoF when you want isolation while ensuring the background is still recognizable, or a deep DOF when you want everything in shot to be in focus.” — Ben, Apple analyst

9to5Mac

• “Sure, we're talking about a few millimeters if these leaks are accurate, but when you're talking about something stealing your screen real estate, every bit of extra room is nice to have.” — Majin Bu, leaker

Tom's Guide

• “Meanwhile, the company is said to be bringing four new colour variants for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, namely Light Blue (Pantone 2121), Dark Cherry (Pantone 6076), Dark Gray (Pantone 426C), and Silver (Pantone 427C).” — Source: Livemint

New iPhone 18 Pro Max prototype leak gives a first look at Apple's new, smaller Dynamic Island

• “The new processor is said to be based on TSMC's 2nm process and bring about 30% faster performance and 15% efficiency gains.” — Source: Livemint

iPhone 18 Pro launching soon: Expected price, colours, display and big camera upgrades

Apple’s September 2026 event will confirm the specifications, launch iOS 27, and likely unveil the foldable iPhone Ultra. Subsequent software updates are expected to add AI-driven camera tools and expanded 5G satellite features.

iPhone 18 Pro set to 'some of the biggest camera hardware upgrades in iPhone history'