Innovations in iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max: What Apple is planning
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This article is also available in English. It was translated with technical assistance and reviewed by the editors before publication.
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Apple’s fall report for new iPhones this year may be different than usual: Rumors firmly believe there will only be three new devices this time, with three more models (iPhone 18, 18e and Air 2) not arriving until spring 2027. In addition to the highly anticipated first foldable iPhone (“Ultra”), two new iPhone Pro variants are planned for September, namely the 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. These are also expected to be the best-selling iPhones of the Christmas season. Here are five predictions for what the new hardware could achieve.
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1. The form factor remains, but the weight is greater and the body is thicker.
Apple is reportedly planning to equip the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max with an adjustable aperture for the first time, as well as larger camera sensors themselves. According to the source, this could lead to a thickening of about two millimeters. Thus, the height of one centimeter in the area of the camera platform will be exceeded. Probably not visually noticeable from a distance, the 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max have a similar look to the 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, but there are a number of new colors, including a cherry hue of sorts, they say.
2. A20 Pro chip, bigger battery, same RAM
This is the first time Apple has included the A20 Pro in the new Pro models, which is Apple’s first generation of 2nm chips from TSMC. You also need to install your own Apple N2 network chip (WLAN, Bluetooth) and your own Apple C2 modem chip. The latter, apparently, will not make it into American models; they will receive Qualcomm technology that provides support for fast mmWave 5G. In terms of RAM, apparently nothing has changed, Apple is sticking with 12 GB.
3. Price increases have been established
With the exception of Japan, Apple has not yet increased iPhone prices. However, the new models should have new entry-level prices. The specification sheet estimates that component costs alone will rise to $300, and Apple may drop those as well. It is estimated that the price increase could be between $200 and $250 (excluding sales tax). Euro tariffs are likely to rise even further. The starting price of the iPhone 17 Pro is currently 1,299 euros, and the 17 Pro Max is even 1,449 euros.
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4. The dynamic island has been reduced in size.
Apple’s Dynamic Island—or the screen perforation needed for Face ID and the selfie camera—should shrink slightly. To achieve this, parts of the TrueDepth camera module can be moved under the screen, such as an infrared projector. However, Apple is reportedly preparing to fully bring facial recognition to the screen of the anniversary iPhone no earlier than next year.
5. Camera control, satellite internet, camera module.
Apple will reportedly make it easier to control the camera on the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. The capacitive sensor could be eliminated and Apple could use just a built-in pressure sensor instead. This supposedly does not change functionality. The camera system itself promises better images, but it remains to be seen whether the sensor is actually made by Samsung rather than Sony. When it comes to satellite Internet, Apple is taking things up a notch: the new devices will supposedly allow for real surfing, not just emergency calls and chats.
At the moment, it is unclear when Apple will introduce its new models. Possibly early to mid September. The last iPhone performance took place on September 9, 2025. The two new Pro models are expected to go on sale in September.
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