IPhone 18 Pro Leaks Reveal Bold Design Overhaul

It’s that time of year again when the rumor mill around Apple’s next iPhone starts to spin in earnest, and this time, the iPhone 18 Pro is at the center of it all. With multiple trusted leakers and analysts chiming in, the picture of Apple’s upcoming flagship is coming into sharper focus—even if the company itself remains characteristically silent. If the leaks are to be believed, the iPhone 18 Pro could represent one of the most significant design and technology leaps in the lineup’s history, setting the stage for a competitive showdown with rivals like Samsung.

On January 19, 2026, well-known Apple tipster Jon Prosser of Front Page Tech released a video that sent shockwaves through the tech community. According to Prosser, the iPhone 18 Pro will ditch the wide Dynamic Island cutout that’s become a familiar sight since its introduction, in favor of a punch-hole design. This change isn’t just cosmetic; it’s made possible by Apple reportedly moving its Face ID sensors beneath the display, a long-rumored leap that would mark a major breakthrough for the company’s biometric technology. As Prosser puts it, "Dynamic Island isn’t going away, but it’ll now function beneath a much smaller cutout, changing how live activities and alerts are presented."

This under-display Face ID rumor isn’t just a one-off. Digital Chat Station, another prolific leaker with a strong track record on Apple news, echoed these claims on Weibo, as reported by Apple Hub. Their leak suggests that the iPhone 18 Pro’s display will measure 6.27 inches, using LTPO technology and supporting a buttery-smooth 120 Hz refresh rate. The Pro Max model is expected to measure 6.9 inches, matching the dimensions of the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Both Pro models are tipped to debut the under-screen Face ID, while the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 will keep the Dynamic Island for another cycle.

There’s more to the story than just the front of the device. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to retain the camera island design introduced with the iPhone 17 Pro series, stretching across the back of the phone. However, the real excitement is reserved for the camera hardware itself. According to leaks compiled by Android Authority and analyst Jeff Pu, both the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will feature a variable aperture system on their primary rear cameras. This technology, which allows the camera to physically adjust the amount of light entering the sensor, could deliver dramatically better photos in both bright sunlight and low-light conditions. Samsung once dabbled with variable aperture on its Galaxy S9, but Apple seems poised to push the concept further.

Under the hood, the iPhone 18 Pro is shaping up to be a powerhouse. Prosser and Jeff Pu both report that Apple will introduce its next-generation A20 Pro chipset, built on a cutting-edge 2nm process by TSMC. This chip is expected to be paired with up to 16GB of RAM, a significant jump designed to support the AI-driven features Apple is rumored to be developing. Connectivity is also getting a boost, with the introduction of Apple’s C2 modem, which is said to replace Qualcomm’s offering and bring faster speeds and improved network performance. There’s even talk of satellite-based 5G support, a feature that could be a game-changer for users in areas with spotty coverage.

For those who care about aesthetics, Apple isn’t standing still. Prosser notes that the company is testing new color options for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, including burgundy, brown, and purple. While it remains to be seen which, if any, of these colors will make it to the final lineup, it’s clear that Apple is looking to refresh its palette and keep things visually interesting.

One of the more intriguing tidbits from the leaks is Apple’s rumored change in launch strategy. Traditionally, Apple unveils its entire iPhone lineup in September. This year, however, multiple sources—including Prosser and Digital Chat Station—suggest that only the Pro models will debut in September 2026, with the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 possibly delayed until March 2027. If true, this would make the iPhone 18 Pro the cheapest new iPhone available for several months, a twist that could shake up the usual sales dynamics.

Of course, all of these changes aren’t happening in a vacuum. As Android Authority points out, Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 series appears to offer only minor upgrades compared to the ambitious innovations Apple is preparing. With Apple’s focus on under-display technology, variable aperture cameras, and next-gen processors, some analysts worry that Samsung could be left playing catch-up—unless it has some surprises of its own in store.

Let’s not forget about the iPhone Fold, either. According to Jeff Pu, Apple is expected to launch its first foldable iPhone alongside the Pro models in September 2026. The Fold will reportedly feature a 7.8-inch display when unfolded and a sub-5.3-inch screen when folded, powered by the same A20 Pro chip and 12GB of RAM. In a departure from the Pro models, the Fold is expected to rely on Touch ID for biometric authentication, skipping Face ID entirely.

Looking at the full rumored lineup, here’s how things stand: the iPhone 18 Pro will sport a 6.3-inch LTPO display, the Pro Max will go up to 6.9 inches, and the Fold will offer a unique form factor for those eager to try something new. All three will be powered by the A20 Pro chip and C2 modem, with camera systems designed to push the boundaries of what smartphone photography can achieve.

While these leaks paint an exciting picture, caution is warranted. As Prosser himself notes, "These details should still be taken cautiously, as the launch remains many months away." Digital Chat Station and Jeff Pu have strong track records, but Apple has not officially confirmed any of these specifications. Plans can and do change in the run-up to launch, and Apple is known for keeping its cards close to the vest until the big reveal.

Still, if the rumors hold true, the iPhone 18 Pro could mark a turning point for Apple’s smartphone strategy—one that not only pushes the envelope on design and technology, but also forces competitors to rethink their own approaches. The next few months promise to be a wild ride for tech fans, as the world waits to see which of these bold predictions become reality and which remain tantalizing what-ifs.

For now, all eyes are on September 2026, when Apple is expected to finally lift the curtain on the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and possibly its first foldable device. Until then, the leaks and speculation will only grow, fueling anticipation for what could be the most exciting iPhone launch in years.