Next year’s iPhone 18 series is set to introduce an exciting foldable variant, yet the most sought-after models are expected to be the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Here are six rumored new features for the iPhone 18 Pro.
## Updated design: Dynamic Island reduces size, cohesive back
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are predicted to keep the primary sizes and styles of this year’s devices. However, three significant alterations will refresh the design:
1. Smaller Dynamic Island
2. Cohesive appearance on back
3. New color selections
The Dynamic Island is being minimized due to Face ID components being relocated beneath the display. This should facilitate the tiniest display cutout seen in years.
The two-tone back design of the iPhone 17 Pro has garnered mixed reactions. To address this, Apple intends to seamlessly integrate the colors of the aluminum and glass sections for a cohesive appearance.
Speculation regarding iPhone 18 Pro colors suggests Apple is experimenting with Coffee Brown, Purple, and Burgundy hues. It’s too early to determine the final colors, but the bolder colors from the 17 Pro have appeared to be well-received.
## A20 Pro chip
Each year, the iPhone receives a cutting-edge chip. The A20 Pro chip for the iPhone 18 Pro is anticipated to represent a significant advancement.
The A20 Pro will be Apple’s inaugural chip manufactured using a 2nm process, and it will also implement WMCM (Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module) packaging.
These advancements are expected to result in notable improvements compared to this year’s A19 Pro, thereby allowing the iPhone 18 Pro to shine in performance, efficiency, and AI capabilities.
## Adjustable aperture camera and additional features
Camera enhancements are continually among Apple’s key upgrades for new iPhones.
For the iPhone 18 Pro, a variable aperture main camera is anticipated, allowing for enhanced control over depth-of-field (DoF) in photography. As my colleague Ben notes:
“You can achieve a shallow DoF to separate the subject from the background, a medium DoF for isolation while keeping the background recognizable, or a deep DoF to have everything in focus.”
Other camera modifications are also expected with the iPhone 18 Pro, but the adjustable aperture feature is the most prominent rumor thus far.
## Enhanced battery life than ever before
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max feature the largest batteries in any iPhone to date and have received positive acclaim. It appears that Apple will continue to meet consumer demand by increasing battery size once more.
A credible source indicates that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be thicker and heavier than its predecessor, likely in order to accommodate a larger battery.
While the smaller 18 Pro model is not specifically mentioned, initial rumors for the iPhone 17 Pro suggested that only the Pro Max would receive a larger battery, and Apple surprised us by providing both Pro models with similar upgrades. Therefore, it is probable that both iPhone 18 Pro models will see battery enhancements.
## Camera Control 2.0
Camera Control made its debut on the iPhone 16 as a designated button for the camera, offering various touch-sensitive gestures for adjusting zoom, exposure, tone, and more. However, many users found it overly complex and difficult to use beyond a basic button.
Apple is reportedly revamping Camera Control on the iPhone 18 lineup, simplifying the features. Touch-sensitive elements will be eliminated, and possibly other modifications will be introduced to create a more user-friendly experience overall.
## C2 modem
Following years of development, Apple has officially begun replacing Qualcomm’s cellular modems with its own proprietary solutions. The C1 modem was introduced in the iPhone 16e, followed by the C1X in the iPhone Air, and now a C2 modem is anticipated for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.
Apple’s 5G cellular modems have demonstrated strong performance, providing efficiency and battery-life enhancements in comparison to Qualcomm’s offerings. Anticipate the C2 modem to enhance the solid foundation of Apple’s C1 modems upon its release in the iPhone 18 Pro.
## iPhone 18 Pro features: conclusion
There is much we already understand about the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, yet many details are likely still undisclosed. Fall 2026 remains a while away, so we can expect to gather more insights about new iPhone 18 Pro features as the launch nears.
For the moment, it appears that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will deliver more of the enhancements users desire: improved performance, extended battery life, a refreshed design, and camera improvements.
