While Apple hasn't officially revealed anything yet, the iPhone 18 Pro It's already shaping up to be the model that could truly change the face of the iPhone.Leaks from China and from analysts familiar with the company paint a picture in which the Pro model becomes the main technological showcase: an almost clean screen, sensors under the panel, more power for artificial intelligence, and a launch schedule that breaks with tradition.
Everything points to it being the first iPhone that seriously approaches the "all screen" conceptApple has reportedly been working for years on hiding the complex Face ID system under the glass, and rumors agree that, if it arrives, it will be exclusive to the Pro models, leaving the standard iPhones and the future iPhone Air 2 with a more conservative design.
Under-display Face ID: the big change in the iPhone 18 Pro
The big novelty of this generation would be in the front: Apple would integrate the Face ID sensors under the screen of the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, finally eliminating the pill-shaped cut that has accompanied the Dynamic Island since 2022. To achieve this, the company would be using a piece of engineering never before seen in its mobile phones.
Supply chain sources speak of a “microtransparent spliced crystal” placed in a small area of the screenThis segment of the panel would have a microscopic pattern that allows the infrared light from the TrueDepth system to pass through without distortion, while to the naked eye, we would still see normal pixels. For the user, the surface would be continuous; for the facial recognition sensors, an invisible window.
This approach fits with the idea of maintaining Face ID as the primary unlocking methodTaking advantage of its 3D scanner and the security record Apple has built around it, the striking thing is that all this technology would be hidden, leaving visible only what's essential for the front camera.
According to several leaks, The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max would retain diagonals of 6,27 and 6,86 inches.respectively, but with a much smaller front cutout thanks to this under-panel integration. The front would be cleaner than ever, at the cost of a rather complex technical solution.
Goodbye (partial) to Dynamic Island: single hole and camera in the corner
With the Face ID sensors hidden, the big question was clear: What about the front camera and Dynamic Island? Leaks agree that, for the moment, Apple is not ready to also put the camera under the screen without losing quality, so we would still have a visible cutout, but much more discreet.
Everything points to the iPhone 18 Pro models having a single small hole for the selfie camerainstead of the current elongated pill. The most controversial part of the rumor is the position: several sources indicate that this hole would be moved to the upper left corner of the screen, a very familiar solution for those coming from Android and one that completely breaks with the central symmetry that Apple has championed in recent years.
This rethinking opens the door to The Dynamic Island ceases to be a continuous physical element and function almost entirely as a software layer. That is, the interface could appear around the hole when there is a call, a timer, or background activity, but it wouldn't have to simulate a permanent black square as it does now.
There are leaks that even mention one Dynamic Island is much more contained or reduced to occasional use.Just enough to maintain the philosophy of live notifications and widgets without sacrificing too much usable screen space. What does seem clear is that the appearance of the Pro models would be quite different from that of current iPhones.
The decision is not without controversy.Among those who have seen the leaked designs, some comments describe this move as a "return" to solutions from years ago in Android. In return, however, users would gain a bit more usable screen space at the top, where status and notification icons are typically located.
Clear differences compared to the base models and the iPhone Air 2
While the iPhone 18 Pro opts for under-display Face ID and a single hole for the camera, The more affordable models would retain a classic Dynamic IslandHere the dividing line between ranges would become even more visible, both in design and hardware.
The leaks about the entire family describe a Standard iPhone 18 with 6,27-inch LTPO OLED display and 120Hz refresh rateIn addition to an iPhone Air 2 that would grow to 6,55 inches, also with an LTPO panel and the same refresh rate. In both cases, the centered Dynamic Island would be retained as we know it now, without sensors hidden under the panel.
In contrast, The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max would remain at 6,27 and 6,86 inches, respectively.respectively, but debuting the aforementioned under-display cutout area. It's a clear strategy: reserve the cleaner front and the more complex technical solution for those who pay for the high-end models.
This structure fits with Apple's intention to continue offering a broad family that includes iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Maxwith the Air 2 as an ultra-thin alternative and, in parallel, a foldable iPhone which would share some design ideas. But, at least for a while, the "all-screen" experience would remain exclusive to the Pro range.
LTPO displays at 120 Hz and an almost completely uncluttered front
Another important change has to do with fluidity. According to these leaks, The entire iPhone 18 range would adopt 120Hz LTPO panelsThis would mean definitively standardizing the ProMotion technology that Apple had previously reserved for Pro models. This would bring the visual experience of the standard models closer to that of the Pro models, although there would still be differences in the treatment of the front panel.
In the specific case of the iPhone 18 Pro, the combination of very tight bezels, under-panel facial sensors, and a single hole for the camera. This would allow Apple to get closer than ever to the "glass window" concept it has been pursuing since abandoning the Home button. The screens would retain their current diagonals, but with a slight increase in usable area by freeing up part of the top section.
In Europe and Spain, where consumption of streaming content, social media, and mobile games is very high, a 120Hz LTPO panel across the entire range This can make all the difference compared to previous generations. Not only because of the smoother feel, but also because of the ability to lower the refresh rate to save battery when that speed isn't needed.
Furthermore, more technical sources indicate that Apple would maintain the resolution and pixel density at levels very similar to the current ones.Prioritizing energy efficiency and the integration of the microtransparent area rather than a drastic leap in definition. The challenge lies in ensuring that this "invisible window" is not noticeable in terms of brightness, contrast, or color reproduction.
A20 Pro 2nm chip and 12GB of RAM: more muscle for AI
Internally, the iPhone 18 Pro would rely on a major processor overhaul. Several reports mention that an A20 Pro chip manufactured in 2nm by TSMC, with an advanced wafer-level multi-chip module (WMCM) package designed to maximize power without increasing consumption.
Along with this new SoC, the Pro models are expected to make the leap to 12 GB of LPDDR5 RAMThis increase aligns with the focus on local artificial intelligence. The idea is to run more AI tasks directly on the device, reducing reliance on the cloud—a particularly relevant development in Europe, where data privacy regulations are stricter.
This combination of a 2nm process and more RAM would allow process photos, video, audio transcripts, or functions related to a more advanced Siri much faster. For example, improvements are mentioned in intelligent image editing and real-time environmental interpretation, leveraging data from cameras, sensors, and voice without the need to continuously send it to external servers.
The leaks also indicate the presence of a new Apple C2 modem For mobile connectivity, gradually moving away from dependence on Qualcomm. This could translate into tighter hardware and software integration, and greater efficiency in 5G networks in markets like Spain, where operators have already deployed a significant portion of their spectrum bands.
48MP cameras, variable aperture, and advanced photography enhancements
In terms of photography, everything points to a significant upgrade for the iPhone 18 Pro. Rumors converge on... a 48-megapixel main camera with variable apertureThis feature is designed to improve light control in a wide variety of scenes. Opening or closing the aperture further allows for better manipulation of depth of field and reduces noise in low-light situations.
Alongside this main sensor, the Pro models would continue to rely on a new generation periscope telephoto lenswith improvements in zoom and stabilization. The goal is to offer more detail at long distances without losing sharpness, something that has a direct impact on travel, sports, or concert photography in the European market, where the user is usually far from the action.
There is also talk of multispectral sensors in the cameraThese sensors are capable of capturing information imperceptible to the human eye, which would help improve color and detail in complex scenes. This technology, combined with the new computational photography algorithms powered by the A20 Pro, could deliver a significant leap forward in night mode and in situations with strong light contrasts.
On the front, leaks point to a selfie camera with higher resolution, around 18 megapixelsIt features a six-element lens. The idea is to maintain or improve the quality of selfies and video calls despite the small size of the aperture, which is important for users who frequently use video conferencing for work or study.
Overall, the improvements in sensors, optics, and processing appear to be geared towards take advantage of the extra power of the chip and RAMIt's more than just a simple increase in numbers on the spec sheet. The challenge for Apple will be to differentiate itself enough from the iPhone 17 Pro to justify the upgrade, especially in a market as competitive as Europe.
Continuity of design… except for the front and the camera in the corner
If we look at the whole, the The design of the iPhone 18 Pro would be relatively evolutionary in the body and much more groundbreaking in the frontThe leaks describe sides and back very similar to the iPhone 17 Pro, with minor variations in colors and finishes, but no aesthetic revolution in materials.
The controversy, as mentioned, arose with the decision to move the front camera to a top cornerThe renderings generated from the leaks show something very reminiscent of some older Android phones: an almost full-screen display with a small circular hole on the left side. This design choice might initially shock Apple's most loyal users, accustomed to the central notch and Dynamic Island.
The advantage of this approach would be that It slightly increases the usable screen area in the upper center.This is precisely where most of the content is concentrated and where the user's gaze is most drawn. The upper area is usually reserved for indicators, notifications, and system elements, so a cropped area in this location can be less intrusive in practice.
Even so, it is still a risky change: It is not clear that Apple will keep this solution in the final design.For now, we only know about prototypes and rumors. It wouldn't be the first time the company has tested avenues it later discards, as happened with other MacBook experiments or design variations that never reached the market.
Regarding colors, the following have been mentioned new shades such as a brown finish and a purple one for the Pro modelsAlthough there is no firm confirmation at the moment. As always, these details tend to change until the last minute and can be adapted to the preferences of specific markets, including the European one.
Release schedule: two waves and prominence for the Pro
Beyond the hardware, one of the most striking changes surrounding the iPhone 18 Pro has to do with the launch strategySeveral analysts agree that Apple is preparing a calendar split into two major annual events focused on the iPhone.
On the one hand, by the end of 2026, we would see the Launch of the high-end range: iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the foldable iPhoneThis trio would represent the most expensive and experimental side of the lineup, with the Pro as the most advanced "traditional" phone and the Fold as a bet on a new form factor. This event would take place around September, within Apple's usual timeframe.
On the other hand, The standard models would be moved to spring 2027This second group would include the base iPhone 18, a possible more affordable iPhone 18e variant, and the iPhone Air 2 itself. The idea would be to clearly separate the presentation of the more accessible models from the Pro models, giving each family its own media spotlight.
This change would entail break with more than a decade of unified releases in SeptemberFor users in Spain and Europe, the practical consequence could be having to wait a few more months if they prefer a standard model, while those who want the latest Pro would continue to buy it on the usual dates.
Production and cost reasons are also cited as the reason behind this move: 2nm chips and new display technologies are expensive and complex to manufactureAnd concentrating the most demanding models in an initial launch could help Apple better manage demand and margins.
With everything that's been leaked so far, the iPhone 18 Pro is shaping up to be a a turning point in front design, in the integration of Face ID under the screen, and in the use of artificial intelligence in the device itselfWe'll have to wait for Apple to make its move to see how much of this becomes a final product, but if most of this information holds true, the 18 Pro generation wouldn't be a simple iterative step, but the beginning of a new era in the high-end iPhone range.
