The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not expected to be unveiled until September. Nevertheless, there are already concrete indications of new features. A recent analyst report lists five key upgrades that are expected to be included in the upcoming Pro models.
The focus is on a smaller Dynamic Island, a variable aperture for the 48-megapixel camera, the new 2nm-based A20 Pro chip, an N2 connectivity chip, and the third-generation C2 modem.
The information comes from a letter to investors by the investment firm GF Securities. Analyst Jeff Pu describes several technical changes that are reportedly planned specifically for the iPhone 18 Pro models.
Even though such reports don't constitute official confirmation, they are generally considered reliable indicators of Apple's development plans. The details mentioned specifically refer to the iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Smaller Dynamic Island due to Face ID component placed under the display
A key rumor concerns the Dynamic Island. The iPhone 18 Pro is said to have the so-called floodlight for Face ID technology moved under the display. This would allow the Dynamic Island to be smaller than in previous models.
The change would be primarily visual. More active display area would be available, and the overall design would appear more streamlined. Technically, it represents a step towards a more integrated front camera and sensor system solution beneath the screen.
Variable aperture for the 48-megapixel Fusion main camera
One particularly relevant upgrade concerns the iPhone 18 Pro's camera. According to reports, both Pro models will feature a variable aperture in their 48-megapixel Fusion main camera. A variable aperture allows control over the amount of light that passes through the camera lens and reaches the sensor. This enables:
- Adapting to different lighting conditions
- Better control over depth of field
- More flexibility in image composition
However, it remains unclear how significant the practical advantage actually is. Due to their size, smartphones have relatively small image sensors, which imposes physical limitations. Nevertheless, a variable aperture would represent a technological advancement in iPhone camera technology.
A20 Pro chip based on 2nm
The new A20 Pro chip is said to be working inside the iPhone 18 Pro. According to reports, this chip is based on TSMC's first-generation 2-nanometer process.
For comparison: The A19 Pro chip is still manufactured using a 3nm architecture.
The switch to 2 nm, combined with a new chip package design, is expected to bring the following improvements:
- Performance improvement compared to its predecessor
- Improved energy efficiency
- Optimized balance between performance and power consumption
A smaller manufacturing process generally means that more transistors can be packed into the same area. This directly impacts speed and efficiency. For the iPhone 18 Pro, this would represent a noticeable improvement compared to the previous generation.
New N2 chip for connectivity
The iPhone 17 models and the iPhone Air already use an N1 chip developed by Apple. This chip supports:
- Wi-Fi 7
- Bluetooth 6
- Thread
Apple states that the N1 chip improves the overall performance and reliability of features like Personal Hotspot and AirDrop. The new N2 chip is now expected for the iPhone 18 Pro. Specific technical details regarding the improvements are not yet known. All that is certain is that it is the next generation of Apple's in-house connectivity chip. What additional features or efficiency improvements the N2 chip will bring remains to be seen.
Third generation C2 modem
The cellular modem is also set to be further developed. Apple first introduced its own C1 modem in the iPhone 16e. Subsequently, an improved C1X chip was used in the iPhone Air. According to Apple, the C1X modem is:
- Up to twice as fast as the original C1 modem
- The most energy-efficient modem ever built into an iPhone
The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to use the third-generation C2 modem. The improvements over the C1X modem have not yet been detailed, but it is assumed that speed and energy efficiency will be further increased.
Expected market launch
Apple is expected to release the iPhone 18 Pro models in September, following its usual annual release schedule.
iPhone 18 Pro: Technical upgrade with a focus on performance and camera
According to a recent report, the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to receive several technical improvements. These include a smaller Dynamic Island thanks to Face ID components placed under the display, a variable aperture for the 48-megapixel main camera, the new 2nm A20 Pro chip, the N2 connectivity chip, and the third-generation C2 modem.
Even though official confirmation is still pending, the points mentioned paint a clear picture: The iPhone 18 Pro will undergo significant internal redesigns. The most noticeable changes are expected to be to the display design and the camera. Further details should be revealed at the official unveiling in September. (Image: Shutterstock / Ekaterina_Minaeva)
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