Apple’s iPhone 17 may have only just made its way into the hands of eager consumers, but the rumor mill is already churning with talk of the company’s next big move: the iPhone 18 series. With whispers of radical design changes, display innovations, and a shifting release timeline, the iPhone 18 looks set to shake up expectations for what a smartphone can be—even if it’s still a year (or more) away from store shelves.
For those keeping tabs on Apple’s annual hardware cycle, the iPhone 18 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases in years. According to Bloomberg and a host of tech insiders, the iPhone 18 lineup is already in the sample production stage, as of January 14, 2026. That’s not just idle speculation: industry sources have confirmed that both the iPhone 18 series and the forthcoming iPhone Air 2 are deep into testing, with display specs that sound genuinely promising.
So, what’s on tap for Apple’s next generation? Let’s start with the screens. The base model iPhone 18 is expected to feature a 6.27-inch 120 Hz LTPO display—a slight but noticeable size increase over the iPhone 17’s 6.3-inch panel. The iPhone Air 2 will reportedly sport an even larger 6.55-inch 120 Hz LTPO display, both retaining the now-familiar Dynamic Island. This feature, which debuted in earlier models, will continue to provide interactive notifications and controls at the top of the display for these non-Pro devices.
But the real shakeup comes with the Pro models. According to PhoneArena, the iPhone 18 Pro will ditch the Dynamic Island altogether, opting instead for a punch hole design. The iPhone 18 Pro will have a 6.27-inch 120 Hz LTPO display, while the Pro Max version will boast a massive 6.86-inch panel—both without the Dynamic Island. Instead, the Face ID sensors will be moved under the display, a move that paves the way for an even more immersive screen experience. The front selfie camera, however, will remain a traditional cutout, at least for now.
This shift is more than cosmetic. Moving the Face ID sensors beneath the display is a technological leap that Apple has been working toward for years, and it’s seen as a stepping stone to the iPhone 20 Pro, rumored to launch in 2027. That future model is expected to have no notches, punch holes, or any screen cutouts at all—just a seamless display that melds into all four edges. It’s a vision of the smartphone as pure glass, and Apple seems determined to get there, one incremental change at a time.
Of course, it wouldn’t be an iPhone launch cycle without speculation about new camera technology. The iPhone 18 is rumored to introduce variable aperture cameras, an under-display front-facing camera for Face ID, and a smaller Dynamic Island (for the models that keep it). There’s also talk of an updated A20 chip under the hood, promising improved performance and efficiency. And, as a bit of fun, Apple is reportedly planning to introduce new color options—including a “coffee” brown that’s sure to spark debate among fans.
One of the more intriguing rumors involves the front-facing camera’s placement. The latest leaks suggest that Apple might relocate the selfie camera to the top left corner of the screen, a departure from the current centrally-aligned setup. Meanwhile, the Camera Control button is expected to be simplified into a pressure-sensing function, making it easier to snap photos quickly.
But before anyone gets too excited, there’s a catch: the iPhone 18 may not arrive as soon as fans hope. Unlike previous years, when new iPhones reliably landed in September, reports from Bloomberg indicate that Apple is considering a staggered release strategy. The iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and a new foldable model are expected to debut in fall 2026, but the base iPhone 18, the iPhone 18E, and the Air 2 might not launch until March 2027. That’s a considerable wait, especially for those with aging devices.
So, should you hold out for the iPhone 18? According to CNET, the current iPhone 17 lineup is already one of Apple’s strongest offerings to date. The standard iPhone 17 boasts a variable refresh rate of 1 to 120Hz—making for a buttery-smooth experience whether you’re scrolling social feeds or gaming. Its always-on display, two 48-megapixel rear cameras (wide-angle and ultrawide), and 18-megapixel selfie camera with Center Stage functionality make it a compelling choice. The sturdy aluminum frame, a rainbow of color options (lavender is a fan favorite), and battery life that easily lasts more than a day only add to its appeal.
For those willing to spend a bit more, the iPhone 17 Pro ups the ante with its powerful A19 Pro chip, improved battery life, and a telephoto lens offering 4x magnification—ideal for zooming in on distant subjects. Notably, battery life between the standard 17 and 17 Pro is nearly identical, but the Pro Max variant stands out for its longevity.
Apple’s commitment to supporting its devices with software and security updates for over five years means that even current models will remain viable for some time. However, if your phone is more than two generations old—or if you’re experiencing performance or battery issues—experts recommend upgrading sooner rather than later. As CNET notes, "if your battery’s maximum capacity has dropped below 80%, and you don’t want to replace the battery, it’s probably wise to upgrade." You can check your battery health in the device’s settings, and Apple’s support for older models ensures that most users won’t be left behind by new features right away.
Still, the allure of the iPhone 18’s rumored features is hard to ignore. The prospect of variable aperture cameras, under-display Face ID, and a punch hole or even cutout-free display is enough to make any tech enthusiast’s heart race. Yet, as tempting as it may be to wait, the reality is that the iPhone 17—and particularly the 17 Pro—already delivers a top-notch experience that’s hard to beat.
For now, Apple fans face a familiar dilemma: upgrade now and enjoy the best of what’s available, or hold out for the next big thing, knowing it could be more than a year away. Either way, Apple’s relentless pace of innovation ensures that the conversation around the iPhone never stands still.
As the iPhone 18 inches closer to reality, one thing is clear: the future of smartphones is as exciting—and unpredictable—as ever.
