The iPhone 18 Pro is set to debut under‑screen Face ID, eliminating the notch and delivering a true full‑screen experience. Powered by the new A18 Bionic chip on a 3‑nm process, it promises faster performance, better power efficiency, and an upgraded camera system with dual‑gain sensors and a Pro‑RAW+ format. Apple plans a staggered rollout, with Pro models arriving in September 2026 and standard models following in early 2027.
Design Changes and New Color Options
Exterior Refinements
The iPhone 18 Pro retains the flat‑edge silhouette introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro series, while the camera module is reshaped into a compact rectangular block that sits flush with the chassis. Subtle tweaks to the frame and new finishes, such as a muted midnight green and a glossy sapphire blue, give the device a refreshed look without abandoning its iconic design language.
Display Specs Remain Consistent
Both the 6.1‑inch iPhone 18 Pro and the 6.7‑inch iPhone 18 Pro Max continue to use LTPO OLED panels with a 120 Hz refresh rate and high peak brightness. Apple has chosen to keep the proven display technology from the previous generation, ensuring smooth scrolling, vibrant colors, and excellent outdoor visibility while focusing hardware upgrades elsewhere.
Performance Boost with A18 Bionic Chip
CPU and GPU Improvements
The new A18 Bionic chip, built on a 3‑nanometer process, delivers a noticeable uplift in CPU and GPU performance compared with its predecessor. Users can expect faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming experiences, thanks to higher core efficiency and improved graphics pipelines.
Power Efficiency Gains
Beyond raw speed, the 3‑nm architecture brings better power efficiency, extending battery life even with the demanding 120 Hz display. The chip’s advanced neural engine also accelerates machine‑learning tasks, supporting features like real‑time photo processing and on‑device AI without draining the battery quickly.
Camera System Overhaul
Dual‑Gain Architecture
Apple introduces a per‑pixel dual‑gain sensor architecture that boosts low‑light performance without enlarging the lens size. This technology captures more light per pixel, reducing noise and delivering clearer images in challenging lighting conditions while maintaining the sleek camera module design.
Pro‑RAW+ Format
Alongside existing ProRAW and ProRes capabilities, the iPhone 18 Pro adds a new “Pro‑RAW+” format. This provides photographers with greater flexibility in post‑processing, preserving more detail and dynamic range for professional‑grade editing directly on the device.
Under‑Screen Face ID and Dynamic Island Shift
Full‑Screen Biometric Solution
Apple’s under‑screen Face ID embeds the front‑facing camera and dot projector beneath the display, removing the traditional notch. Paired with a new “TrueDepth‑2” algorithm, the system promises faster authentication while maintaining a seamless, bezel‑less front surface.
Impact on Dynamic Island
If the under‑screen Face ID functions as expected, the Dynamic Island UI element—currently housed in the notch area—may be retired on the Pro models. Standard iPhone 18 devices will likely retain Dynamic Island, preserving the familiar interactive experience for non‑Pro users.
Staggered Launch Timeline and Market Strategy
Pro Model Release Schedule
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max during its traditional September 2026 event, aligning with the company’s historic flagship launch window. This timing allows Apple to showcase the most advanced hardware first, targeting premium buyers and early adopters.
Standard Model Timing
The standard iPhone 18 lineup is rumored to follow in March 2027, creating a second wave of announcements. This staggered approach aims to sustain market momentum, capture price‑sensitive consumers later in the year, and extend Apple’s product visibility across multiple quarters.
Market Implications and Competitive Edge
Biometric Innovation
Successfully delivering under‑screen Face ID would position Apple ahead of rivals like Samsung and Google, who have long pursued true full‑screen biometric solutions. The technology could become a key differentiator, appealing to consumers seeking a clean, uninterrupted display.
Chip Advantage
The 3‑nm A18 Bionic keeps Apple ahead of many Android manufacturers still using larger‑node processors. Combined with the upgraded camera pipeline, the iPhone 18 Pro reinforces Apple’s leadership in computational photography and high‑performance mobile computing.
What to Expect Next
While Apple has not confirmed any details, the convergence of design, hardware, and strategic rollout hints at a bold direction for the iPhone 18 Pro series. The upcoming September 2026 event will be the first opportunity for Apple to validate the under‑screen Face ID claim, showcase the A18 Bionic’s performance gains, and set the stage for the next generation of iPhone innovation.
