IPhone 18 Pro Set For Major Redesign And Split Launch

Apple’s next big leap in smartphone technology is already sparking excitement among tech enthusiasts and industry watchers alike, as a steady drumbeat of leaks and reports reveal the company’s plans for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. With a September 2026 launch window all but confirmed by multiple credible sources, Apple appears poised to shake up its release strategy, introduce major display and camera upgrades, and further its push into artificial intelligence. But what exactly is coming—and what will it mean for loyal iPhone users and the broader smartphone market?

For starters, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are set to maintain their familiar display sizes—6.27 inches and 6.86 inches respectively—with buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rates, as reported by 9to5mac and echoed across the tech press. But it’s not just about size and speed. According to MacRumors and other sources, Apple is working on a significant redesign of the front-facing display area. The much-discussed Dynamic Island—first introduced on the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022—will remain, but it’s about to get a lot smaller. Leaker Ice Universe, whose track record for accuracy is well established, revealed that the cutout’s width will shrink from 20.76 mm to just 13.49 mm, a reduction of roughly 35%. This change, corroborated by respected display analyst Ross Young, is expected to make the front of the phone look sleeker and more modern, with partial under-display Face ID components contributing to the cleaner design.

Why shrink the Dynamic Island? Some earlier rumors suggested a move to a top-left hole-punch camera, but these were later debunked as mistranslations. Instead, Apple is said to be hiding components like the flood illuminator—essential for Face ID—under the display, allowing for a more streamlined look without sacrificing security or functionality. As MacRumors clarified, “The Dynamic Island will remain on the iPhone 18 Pro and simply be roughly 35% narrower.” The result? A device that’s instantly recognizable as the latest Pro iPhone, but with a visual twist that’s sure to spark conversation.

But the upgrades don’t stop at the surface. Under the hood, the iPhone 18 Pro line will debut Apple’s new A20 Pro chip, marking the company’s first foray into 2nm process technology. This chip, built using advanced Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) packaging, promises improved performance per watt and better thermal management—meaning users can expect more power and efficiency, even during demanding tasks. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu have both highlighted the significance of this leap, with Pu noting that the new packaging method could help the iPhone stay cool under pressure. As reported by 9to5mac, “The A20 Pro chip for iPhone 18 Pro will be Apple’s first chip built with a 2nm process and also utilize WMCM packaging.”

Display technology is getting a boost as well. Supply-chain reports from Korea indicate that both Pro models will feature LTPO plus AMOLED panels, offering refresh rates that can scale down to 1Hz for improved power efficiency—especially handy when displaying static content. This means longer battery life without sacrificing the fluid animations and responsiveness iPhone fans have come to expect. And if that’s not enough, a Chinese leaker known as Instant Digital claims the iPhone 18 will set new records for display brightness, with Apple’s requirements so high that some suppliers fear they won’t be able to keep up.

Photography, always a battleground for flagship smartphones, is also getting a serious upgrade. Leaks suggest that at least one rear camera on the Pro models will feature a mechanical iris, allowing for variable aperture control. This hardware change should give users superior exposure control and more natural depth of field, especially in tricky lighting conditions—potentially reducing the need for heavy software post-processing. Enhanced computational photography and improved low-light performance are on the menu for both Pro models, while the Pro Max may score an exclusive hardware upgrade for its camera system. As 9to5mac put it, “At least one rear camera may feature a mechanical iris, allowing for variable aperture control.”

Color enthusiasts, take note: Apple is reportedly testing richer finishes for the iPhone 18 Pro line, with purple and burgundy shades making appearances in early leaks. This could mark a shift away from the muted tones that have dominated recent Pro releases, giving buyers more ways to express their style.

Perhaps the most significant change isn’t a hardware tweak or a new color, but a shift in Apple’s launch strategy. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and a chorus of other sources, Apple is planning a split release for the iPhone 18 generation. The Pro models will debut first in September 2026, with pre-orders opening that week and shipping about a week later—following Apple’s traditional “iPhone season” cadence. The standard iPhone 18, along with the iPhone 18e and the next-generation iPhone Air, are expected to be delayed until early 2027. This staggered approach, as Gurman explains, is designed to “reduce pressure on development, marketing, and supply chains,” and could become the new normal for Apple’s flagship launches.

Of course, with new features come new price tags. Leaks suggest the iPhone 18 Pro will start at Rs 1,34,900, while the Pro Max will command Rs 1,49,900. Prices may vary depending on storage and configuration, and as always, Apple could announce further upgrades that affect the final cost.

Beyond the iPhone, Apple is making moves in artificial intelligence. According to Bloomberg, the company is developing a Siri chatbot codenamed Campos, set to launch with iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27. This new Siri will offer natural language conversation capabilities, aiming to compete with the likes of ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. Apple is also reportedly working on an AirTag-sized AI pin with dual cameras, microphones, and a speaker—likely to run the new Siri chatbot and serve as a wearable companion for on-the-go tasks.

As September 2026 inches closer, anticipation for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max is reaching a fever pitch. With a cleaner, more refined design, cutting-edge chip technology, brighter and more efficient displays, advanced camera hardware, bold new colors, and a staggered rollout strategy, Apple is signaling that it’s not content to rest on its laurels. Instead, the company is doubling down on innovation—pushing the boundaries of what a smartphone can be and do.

For Apple fans and tech observers alike, the coming months promise a front-row seat to another chapter in the ongoing evolution of the iPhone. The only question left: how far will Apple go to stay ahead of the curve?