The launch of Apple’s next iPhone is likely just two months away, yet rumours already offer a fairly detailed look at what might be coming. If Apple follows its usual schedule, the iPhone 18 Pro series is expected to debut in September, and this year, the focus could be almost exclusively on the premium models. Reports suggest that Apple might postpone the launch of the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e models until early next year, allowing the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max to headline the company’s most important hardware event of 2026.

Although Apple is also reportedly preparing its first foldable iPhone for 2026, the traditional iPhone lineup continues to garner the most attention. Recent leaks point to a series of improvements in performance, cameras, battery life, and connectivity. At the same time, analysts indicated to a major publication that buyers in India might need to brace for higher prices, given that Apple is facing rising component costs.

Design and display improvements

It does not appear that Apple will make drastic changes to the overall design of the Pro models. Leaks indicate that the familiar triple-camera setup and large rear camera module will remain, although the company might refine the transition between the back panel and the frame for a cleaner finish.

The most significant visual update could occur on the front. There are renewed rumours that Apple will reduce the size of the Dynamic Island. Earlier rumours claimed the company would move Face ID entirely under the display, but more recent reports suggest that the technology is not yet ready for mass production.

Instead, Apple is reportedly working on a narrower Dynamic Island. Leaker Ice Universe claims it could be around 35% slimmer than the one on current iPhone Pro models, offering users a bit more usable screen space. CAD renders and prototype images circulating online also point to a smaller cutout.

Screen sizes are unlikely to change. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to retain a 6.3-inch display, while the Pro Max model could continue to feature a 6.9-inch panel. Apple is also rumoured to be adopting more efficient LTPO+ display technology, which could help reduce power consumption and improve battery life.

The Pro Max model might also become slightly thicker. According to leaks, its thickness could increase from 8.75 mm to 8.8 mm to accommodate a higher-capacity battery.

A larger battery?

Battery life is expected to remain a key selling point for the Pro Max variant. Leaks suggest the iPhone 18 Pro Max could feature a battery between 5,100 mAh and 5,200 mAh—a capacity slightly higher than the 5,088 mAh reportedly found in the previous generation.

The 18 Pro model is said to feature a battery ranging from 4,056 mAh to 4,288 mAh, depending on the region. However, since nothing has been officially confirmed, users are advised to treat this information with caution.

Camera upgrades?

Apple is also expected to introduce meaningful camera improvements this year. One of the most talked-about additions is a variable aperture system for the primary camera. If introduced, it would allow users to manually adjust the amount of light entering the sensor, offering greater control over exposure and depth-of-field effects.

Reports further claim Apple is testing a new three-layer stacked image sensor supplied by Samsung. The upgraded sensor is expected to improve image quality by reducing noise, increasing dynamic range and delivering faster response times.

The telephoto camera could also receive a wider aperture to improve low-light photography. Some reports even suggest Apple is exploring teleconverter technology for better zoom performance, although it remains unclear how the feature would be implemented on a smartphone.

A20 chip and Apple’s next modem

The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is expected to be powered by Apple’s new A20 chipset. According to leaks, the processor will be manufactured using TSMC’s advanced 2nm process, potentially delivering up to 15 per cent better performance while improving power efficiency by around 30 per cent over the previous generation.

Apple is also rumoured to adopt a new packaging technology called WMCM, which integrates RAM more closely with the processor. This could improve on-device AI performance, increase efficiency and free up internal space for other components.

Connectivity could also receive an upgrade. The iPhone 18 Pro models are tipped to feature Apple’s new C2 modem, which may finally add support for mmWave 5G while improving satellite connectivity.

Reports suggest Apple could expand satellite capabilities beyond emergency communication. Future iPhones may even support satellite internet connectivity in areas without mobile networks, and third-party apps may also gain access to the feature.

New colour options

Alongside the hardware upgrades, Apple is reportedly working on a fresh colour palette for the Pro lineup. One of the new finishes could be a dark cherry shade described as a deep red with subtle purple tones. Other leaked colour options include light blue, dark grey, and silver, although Apple could still make changes before the phones enter production.

iPhone 18 Pro India price: A noticeable price jump looks likely

Apple hasn’t revealed how much the iPhone 18 Pro series will cost, but analysts tell us buyers in India should prepare for higher launch prices. Until recently, many believed Apple would continue with pricing similar to the previous generation despite the hardware upgrades. However, that view has changed after CEO Tim Cook acknowledged that rising component costs are making price increases difficult to avoid. With memory and storage chips becoming much more expensive, analysts now expect at least some of that additional cost to be passed on to customers.

A famous publication spoke to IDC India Vice President Navkendar Singh, who believes the biggest increase could be reserved for the Pro models. According to him, Apple is unlikely to keep the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at the same launch prices as their predecessors.

“There will possibly be a $100-$150 (approximately Rs 9,500 to Rs 14,200) increase in iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max pricing versus iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max launch prices. The memory situation will impact the launch prices of the 18 Pro and Pro Max.”

If Apple’s pricing follows that estimate, the starting price of the iPhone 18 Pro could move beyond Rs 1,34,900 in India, while the Pro Max may launch at well over Rs 1,49,900.

Counterpoint Research Director Tarun Pathak also expects pricing pressure to continue. He told a famous publication that smartphone brands are finding it increasingly difficult to absorb rising costs, especially after memory prices emerged sharply over the past few quarters. The weakening rupee against the US dollar is another factor that could influence Apple’s pricing strategy in India.

“Since memory prices have increased 4x over the past three quarters and the falling rupee against the dollar, it is highly unlikely that any brand can absorb those costs; therefore, there is a high probability that this will be reflected in the pricing of the Apple iPhone 18 series.”

Even so, Pathak believes Apple can avoid a steep increase for the entry-level iPhone 18 Pro. Instead, the company could keep the base model relatively competitive while introducing larger price increases for versions with higher storage capacities.

“We anticipate a smaller price hike for the base model iPhone 18 Pro to maintain competitiveness, with the company likely pushing for larger price increases through higher-tier storage configurations across different portfolios.”

Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 18 Pro lineup during its annual launch event in September. Until the company makes the information official, leaks suggest that buyers can expect several hardware improvements, though they should also be prepared to pay more than for the previous generation.