Apple iPhone 17 series has not yet properly arrived at stores across the world. However, there are speculations about what upgrades will the iPhone 18 series bring? Well, according to some reports, the iPhone 18 lineup will follow a different launch timeline. This basically means that Apple will not launch all iPhone 18 devices at the same time, which it traditionally does. Moreover, the fresh reports suggest that upgrades will be significant in the software and processor in the iPhone 18 series. Whereas the design will not change as such.According to a leak posted by tipster Digital Chat Station on Chinese platform Weibo, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will likely mirror the design language of the iPhone 17 Pro series.
As these devices are believed to be in the early stages of development, analysts caution that Apple could still alter the design before launch. Earlier leaks had also hinted at a slimmer Dynamic Island notch for the upcoming series.
Transparent back panel in the works?
What could mark a shift, however, is a “slightly transparent” back panel. If accurate, the change might reveal subtle hardware details such as the MagSafe charging coil through a translucent glass design, a first for Apple’s flagship phones.
iPhone 18 Pro to get faster internals
The leak also hints at internal changes, speculating that the iPhone 18 Pro series will feature a new built-in stainless steel vapour chamber. This component is expected to be used for enhanced cooling and could be a significant upgrade for performance-intensive tasks. This should help the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max stay cooler than the current-gen iPhone 17 Pro while exposed to gaming or video editing.
iPhone 18 Pro expected launch date
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to be unveiled to the world in early September 2026, alongside the iPhone Air 2. These phones are expected to showcase Apple’s premium offering to the world and encourage more consumers to make an upgrade.
That said, the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e could be reserved for a launch later in March 2027, thus giving these two value-centric models their own stage.
