iPhone 18 Pro: A Disappointing Evolution That Fails to Ignite Excitement.

iPhone 18 Pro: Underwhelming Changes and Overhyped Features

iPhone 18 Pro: According to three information leakers, the claim that the Dynamic Island would vanish is untrue. Earlier today (January 20), we discussed a significant rumor about a redesign for the iPhone 18 Pro.

It was suggested that the front-facing camera would shift to the left side of the screen and that the Dynamic Island would disappear.

However, three prominent Apple leakers have come forward to deny this. Notorious leaker Jon Prosser released 4K renders of the iPhone 18 Pro, which showed a left-hand camera punch-out and a missing Dynamic Island, allegedly as part of a potential Face ID enhancement beneath the screen.

In contrast, tipster Instant Digital shared new evidence on the Chinese social media platform Weibo that indicated the presence of a smaller Dynamic Island.

According to Instant Digital, the notion that the iPhone 18 Pro would feature a punch-hole front-facing camera on the left side is “complete misinformation.” They suggested that a translation issue might have led to the initial rumor.

They did note that the iPhone 18 Pro would have an infrared sensor beneath the left-hand display, but not a camera hole.

To support their allegation, Instant Digital produced an image of what they claimed to be a Face ID sensor.

This Face ID consists of three components: an infrared camera on the right, a centered dot projector, and an infrared flood illuminator. A cable connects them all.

Shortly after Instant Digital’s story was published, the X account “ShrimpApplePro” confirmed its accuracy. Although ShrimpApplePro has ceased sharing information recently, they have a track record of providing reliable details about Apple products.

Veteran display analyst Ross Young later mentioned that he had referenced a similar configuration months earlier.

Over the years, all three leakers have consistently reported accurately on displays for various devices, including those from Apple. Given their history, their reactions to the initial Jon Prosser leak are noteworthy. If all proceeds as planned, Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 18 series in September.

In terms of camera technology, the iPhone 18 Pro is anticipated to feature a new variable aperture system for its primary camera, aiming for a professional-grade enhancement. Similar to a human eye, this system allows the lens to physically open and close, regulating the amount of light that enters.

This design is expected to improve low-light photography and create a more realistic depth of field, relying less on software processing. Prosser did caution that the larger and typically more expensive iPhone 18 Pro Max may be the only model to include this high-end hardware.

Beyond the internal changes, color will be the primary means of distinguishing the new models. Three eye-catching new finishes—burgundy, a deep “coffee” brown, and a royal purple—are now being investigated by Apple.

These tints offer a more expressive design for the Pro lineup that we have typically only seen in the standard base iPhone 17 series, marking a significant departure from the more subdued titanium tones utilized in prior years.

iPhone 18 Pro: Satellite 5G and Simplified Controls.

To improve reliability, the current Camera Control button is also being modified. It appears that Apple is moving away from capacitive touch gestures and toward a more efficient pressure-sensing system.

For photographers who like more consistent tactile input, this modification is intended to reduce manufacturing costs and make the button seem less heavy.

The A20 Pro chip, which was created using a state-of-the-art 2 nm process for improved battery efficiency, will power the device. Additionally, Apple’s in-house C2 modem is finally taking the place of Qualcomm.

However, the transition to full 5G satellite connectivity is perhaps the biggest under-the-radar transformation.

Apple is laying the groundwork for 5G networks that broadcast from space, ensuring that you stay connected even in places without regular cell towers, as opposed to just using satellites for emergencies.

It is important to note that Prosser is currently involved in a major legal battle with Apple, despite the fact that he is still disseminating these purported leaks.

In July 2025, the company filed a lawsuit against Prosser and his colleague Michael Ramacciotti, alleging that they had stolen trade secrets by gaining access to a development iPhone in order to reveal information about what would eventually become iOS 26.

According to an iPhone 18 Pro leak, Apple might decide without making significant design modifications.

Early leaks about Apple’s 2026 flagships are already beginning to appear, despite the fact that the iPhone 17 series has only recently entered the market.

A recent leak revealed that the iPhone 18 Pro models include a special hole-punch camera placement. But according to the most recent leak, anybody hoping for a drastic makeover might want to lower their expectations.

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are unlikely to see any significant external changes, according to Chinese leaker Fixed Focus Digital. In particular, the rear design is said to be essentially unaltered, with Apple sticking to a recognizable camera setup and general aesthetic.

Regarding the rumor about the removal of the Dynamic Island and the addition of under-display technology, the current information raises questions about the timing. In all likelihood, Apple will keep anything “groundbreaking” until its 20th anniversary iPhone, which is scheduled to launch in 2027.

Therefore, it wouldn’t be shocking if the 2026 iPhones were a minor upgrade over the recently redesigned iPhone 17 series.

For at least another generation, Apple is probably going to stick with the current pill-shaped cutout design while the UDC technology, which it has been working on for some time, is finalized.

Nevertheless, the product cycle is still quite early at this point. Before the 2026 iPhones go into full production, which is when supply chain details often become more apparent, there is still a long way to go. Plans could yet change until then.

Instead of a visual makeover, which Apple has frequently relied upon in previous years, the report now suggests another evolutionary update.

Punch-hole display: The front of the iPhone 18 Pro is designed in the manner of Android.

The addition of a punch-hole display, which Android users have been used to for years, is one of the most noticeable design changes.

According to reports, Apple is hiding all of the Face ID technology beneath the screen, leaving just a tiny opening for the FaceTime front camera.

The Dynamic Island feature will be significantly reduced in size and combined into a smaller screen cutout that is shifted to the left, but it won’t completely vanish.

This makes the iPhone appear cleaner and more contemporary, bringing it closer to an edge-to-edge display experience.

The foldable iPhone, on the other hand, is said to use a different strategy: Touch ID combined with punch-hole cameras on both panels, indicating that Apple is specifically tailoring designs to each product category.

iPhone 18 Pro: Three vivid new hues teased.

Three striking new colors for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are shown in the current concept film, although Apple has not yet made a decision.

Front Page Tech host Jon Prosser claims that Apple is investigating at least three finishes: burgundy red, smokey purple, and brown.

These align with previous conjectures and imply that Apple is attempting to revamp the Pro range’s visual identity, which some have considered to be overly conservative in recent years.

Only one of these new hues will probably be chosen to join the current traditional color scheme for the official September 2026 premiere.

The first 2 nm chip from Apple is released.

Both iPhone 18 Pro models are thought to be powered by Apple’s first 2 nm technology, which could be referred to as the A20.

This is a substantial improvement to the processing speed and energy efficiency, which is greatly widening the gap between Apple and its Android rivals.

Apple may eventually replace Qualcomm’s modem with its own in-house Apple C2 modem in yet another significant move.

If successful, this would be a significant turning point in Apple’s continuous efforts to gain complete control over its hardware stack, which might improve network performance and lower licensing costs.

Variable aperture and satellite 5G: not confirmed but anticipated

Leading analysts believe that Apple may build on the current Emergency SOS capabilities by adding 5G technology to satellite connectivity features. Although encouraging, this has not been officially verified.

A variable aperture system for the primary camera is another proposed innovation that would provide better light management and appeal to mobile photographers. This is still a well-known myth, much like satellite 5G.