We are still months away from Apple's usual September event, but the rumor mill doesn't take vacations. Lately, the leaks surrounding the iPhone 18 Pro have transformed from vague whispers to accurate-looking CAD renders.
We are now starting to get an idea of what Apple may bring to us with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max this year.
Apple rarely fixes what isn't broken, and the 2026 flagships look ready to refine the Pro moniker with more than just a spec bump. We're likely to see a shrinking Dynamic Island and a fancy new signature color.
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The iPhone 18 Pro is shaping up to be a polished powerhouse. Let's dive into the latest renders and leaks and see what's changing and what's not.
A beefier camera plateau for truly Pro camera experience
Dummy units of the iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 18 Pro Max. | Image by Vadim Yuryev
Recently leaked dummy units show that the iPhone 18 Pro (especially the Pro Max)'s camera plateau may actually be thicker than its predecessor. The design element looks significantly more prominent.
Per leaks and rumors, the total thickness may jump to nearly 13.8 mm, up from the 12.9 mm we saw on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Why the extra bulk? It's all about the camera.
The camera plateau on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. | Image by PhoneArena
Reports indicate that Apple is moving toward a variable aperture for the main 48 MP sensor. This is a mechanical upgrade that would allow the phone to physically adjust how much light hits the sensor.
The upgrade would allow for DSLR-like control over depth of field and low-light exposure. Obviously, to house these moving parts, Apple needs some more space, hence the bigger thickness.
Apart from the thickness change, the camera plateau is still there, sitting at the top part of the phone just like the iPhone 17 Pro's.
Dark Cherry may be the new signature color
Dark Cherry. Render of the iPhone 18 Pro. | Image by Mac Daily News
This is a deep, wine-red shade. According to leaked renders, the Dark Cherry finish may be highly cohesive, with the frame and camera island tinted to match the back glass for a seamless look.
iPhone 18 Pro in its rumored colors Light Blue, Dark Cherry, Dark Gray. | Image by Macworld
Joining it in the lineup are expected to be a refreshed Light Blue (reminiscent of the fan-favorite Sierra Blue on the 13 Pro), a classic Dark Gray, and a traditional Silver.
The camera plateau elements showing the four colors. | Image by IceUniverse
The smaller Dynamic Island. | Image by IceUniverse
We're definitely not at the under-display camera stage just yet, but multiple reports suggest Apple has found a way to shrink the Dynamic Island components significantly.
The potential shrinkage of the Dynamic Island from alleged iPhone 18 Pro screen protector. | Image by IceUniverse
The new design may be up to 50% smaller than the current version. This may be done by fitting some Face ID sensors under the display, which would allow you to enjoy more usable screen real estate and a less intrusive viewing experience for videos and gaming.
The difference illustrated. | Image by Weibo
The pill shape is likely staying this year, but the iPhone 18 Pro's front may look sleeker and slightly more refined than previous iPhones.
A year of Pro refinement rather than reinventing the wheel
The iPhone 18 Pro is not going to revolutionize iPhone design. However, we have a potentially slimmer Dynamic Island, a DSLR feature for the main camera, and some new exquisite colors.
If the renders and leaks pan out to be accurate, the 2026 iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max would be sophisticated and extra competitive. We still have a few months of waiting too do, but the upcoming iPhone is definitely getting us hyped.
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Izzy, a tech enthusiast and a key part of the PhoneArena team, specializes in delivering the latest mobile tech news and finding the best tech deals. Her interests extend to cybersecurity, phone design innovations, and camera capabilities. Outside her professional life, Izzy, a literature master's degree holder, enjoys reading, painting, and learning languages. She's also a personal growth advocate, believing in the power of experience and gratitude. Whether it's walking her Chihuahua or singing her heart out, Izzy embraces life with passion and curiosity.
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