Apple iPhone 18: Leaked design, bigger battery, camera upgrades, price and launch date

Apple is expected to make major changes to its iPhone lineup with the iPhone 18 series. The upcoming models could feature a smaller Dynamic Island, upgraded cameras, more RAM and larger batteries. Apple is also reportedly preparing its first foldable iPhone.

Apple may launch the iPhone 18 lineup in two phases. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to arrive in September 2026, while the much-rumoured foldable iPhone could debut in October. The standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and potentially a second-generation iPhone Air could follow in early 2027.

iPhone 18 design and Dynamic Island

The iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to retain the 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes of the previous generation.

One of the biggest design changes could involve the Dynamic Island. Apple is reportedly exploring a smaller version, with some Face ID components potentially moving underneath the display.

According to The Information, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max could feature under-display Face ID, while the front camera may move towards the top-left corner. Other reports suggest Apple will not remove the Dynamic Island entirely but could narrow it.

The Pro models could also receive new colour options, including light blue, dark cherry and dark grey. Leaked dummy units have reportedly suggested that the previously rumoured coffee-brown finish may not make it to the final lineup.

iPhone 18 battery and camera upgrades

The iPhone 18 Pro could receive a significantly larger battery. Apple has not confirmed the battery capacity, but a Weibo leak suggests that some versions could feature batteries with capacities of up to 5,000mAh.

Camera upgrades could also be a major focus. According to Macworld, the iPhone 18 Pro Max could feature a variable-aperture camera.

A variable aperture would allow greater control over the amount of light reaching the sensor and could provide more control over depth of field. The Information has also reported that at least one of the iPhone 18 Pro's rear cameras could use a mechanical iris.

Meanwhile, MacRumors reports that a 24MP front camera could be introduced across the iPhone 18 lineup, excluding the iPhone 18e.

An A20 chip and more RAM

The iPhone 18 series is expected to debut Apple's next-generation A20 and A20 Pro chips. The processors could be manufactured using TSMC's 2nm process, potentially improving performance and power efficiency.

The new iPhones could also receive more RAM. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that lower-end iPhone 18 models could have 9GB of RAM, while analyst Jeff Pu has reportedly tipped 12GB of RAM for the standard iPhone 18.

However, memory costs and supply constraints could influence Apple's final component choices and specifications.

iPhone 18 prices

Higher component costs may also affect pricing. Partly due to the new 2 nm chip and memory costs, MacRumors reported that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max could end up costing between $250 and $300 more than the older model. Apple hasn't announced any price changes.

iPhone 18 release date

The provided report states that Apple's Fall event will take place on 9 September 2026. There's no official confirmation on the date for preorder sales, but it could start on 11 September.

According to Bloomberg, Apple might unveil the Pro models and foldable iPhone in the fall of 2026 and the standard iPhone 18 in February or March 2027, with the iPhone Air 2 possible later in the year.