The iPhone 16e may have left fans disappointed with its hefty price tag, but excitement for the iPhone 17 series (set for a September 2025 launch) is already building. However, tech enthusiasts are skipping ahead and setting their sights on the iPhone 18 Pro, expected in 2026.

Despite being over a year away, leaks and rumors have already given us a sneak peek into what could be Apple’s most advanced iPhone yet. Here’s what to expect!

iPhone 18 Pro: Expected Features & Upgrades

Under-Screen Face ID (Finally!)

Apple fans have long awaited under-display Face ID, and it’s finally coming! While originally rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro, display analyst Ross Young now claims that this breakthrough has been pushed to 2026, making the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max the first models to feature it.

What this means:
Face ID sensors hidden beneath the screen
Smaller notch or pinhole cutout, similar to Google’s Pixel 9 and Samsung’s Galaxy S25
Dynamic Island might shrink but isn’t disappearing yet

A20 Pro Chip – AI & Performance Boost

The iPhone 18 Pro will be powered by Apple’s A20 Pro chip, built on TSMC’s 3rd-gen 3nm process. While some early rumors pointed to a 2nm chip, analyst Jeff Pu suggests Apple will stick with 3nm—meaning modest performance gains over the iPhone 17 Pro.

What’s new with A20 Pro?
Enhanced Apple Intelligence (AI-powered features)
Faster and more efficient Neural Engine
Chip-on-Wafer-on-Substrate (CoWoS) packaging for better processor-memory integration

48MP Camera with Variable Aperture – Better Low-Light Shots!

Apple is set to revolutionize mobile photography by introducing variable aperture in the iPhone 18 Pro’s 48MP main camera. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests this will replace the fixed ƒ/1.78 aperture found on current Pro models.

What does this mean for your photos?
Improved low-light performance
Better control over depth of field (like DSLR cameras)
More natural bokeh effects for portraits

Samsung Image Sensor – A Game Changer?

For years, Sony has been Apple’s exclusive camera sensor supplier, but DigiTimes reports that Apple is exploring Samsung’s three-layer stacked image sensor for improved dynamic range and responsiveness.

Leaker Jukanlosreve claims Samsung’s PD-TR-Logic technology could significantly enhance mobile photography. If ready by 2026, expect a 48MP Ultra Wide camera upgrade—delivering sharper images with less noise.

C2 Modem – Apple’s Own 5G Chip

Apple is cutting its reliance on Qualcomm by developing its own second-generation C2 modem. Analyst Jeff Pu suggests this will bring:

Faster 5G speeds
Better efficiency & power savings
Improved mmWave support in the U.S.

This could be one of the biggest battery life improvements seen in years!

Is the iPhone 18 Pro Worth the Hype?

The iPhone 18 Pro is shaping up to be a major leap forward, with:
Under-screen Face ID
More powerful A20 Pro chip
Revolutionary 48MP camera with variable aperture
A possible shift to Samsung image sensors
Apple’s in-house C2 modem for better 5G performance

While we’re still over a year away, leaks indicate that 2026 could bring one of the biggest iPhone upgrades yet!