Apple is known for its innovative technology, and the company is continually working with suppliers on successive iPhone models simultaneously. This strategy is why we often see rumored features emerging well ahead of launch dates. The upcoming iPhone 18 series is no exception, with a picture already forming regarding what we can expect from Apple's 2026 smartphone lineup. Whether you’re skipping this year’s anticipated iPhone 17 series or are simply curious about Apple's future plans, here are the key rumored features for the iPhone 18 lineup.
One of the most exciting features expected in the iPhone 18 Pro models is a main camera equipped with a variable aperture. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that this innovation would be a first for the iPhone lineup, allowing users greater control over their photography. Currently, models like the iPhone 14 Pro, 15 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro utilize a fixed aperture of ƒ/1.78 for their 48-megapixel main camera, meaning that the lens opening doesn’t adjust and remains fully open during photo capture.
The introduction of a variable aperture would enable users to manually control the amount of light entering the lens, akin to traditional cameras. This feature could significantly enhance photography in bright conditions by reducing overexposure and offering more flexibility with depth of field. While iPhones traditionally utilize smaller image sensors, limiting the practical impact on depth of field compared to larger-sensor cameras, this feature could still provide advanced users with greater creative control, especially in challenging lighting situations.
According to supply chain analyst Jeff Pu, Apple plans to incorporate its next-generation C2 modem in the iPhone 18 Pro models. This modem will succeed the current C1 modem, which debuted in the lower-cost iPhone 16e as Apple's first in-house cellular modem. The C2 is anticipated to deliver faster speeds, improved power efficiency, and support for mmWave 5G in the United States—an essential feature that was absent in the C1 modem.
This transition to an in-house modem aligns with Apple’s long-term strategy to decrease its reliance on Qualcomm, which currently supplies 5G modems for the rest of the iPhone lineup. Over the years, the company has been focused on developing its own cellular chips to achieve deeper integration and enhanced control over power management and performance.
Set to power the iPhone 18 Pro models, Apple’s upcoming A20 Pro chip will reportedly be manufactured using TSMC's third-generation 3nm process, similar to the A19 Pro chip expected in the current iPhone 17 Pro. Analyst Jeff Pu notes that the performance gains between the A19 Pro and A20 Pro may be modest in terms of raw CPU and GPU improvements. However, the A20 Pro will feature a more advanced packaging method known as CoWoS (Chip on Wafer on Substrate), enabling tighter integration between the processor, unified memory, and the Neural Engine.
This technological advancement may enhance performance in AI-related tasks, aligning with Apple's broader goal of bolstering on-device intelligence features in future iPhones as the company continues to expand its machine learning capabilities.
In a potential shift in the iPhone’s camera supply chain, Samsung is reportedly developing a new three-layer stacked image sensor, referred to as PD-TR-Logic, specifically for the iPhone 18. This innovative sensor aims to improve camera responsiveness, reduce noise, and enhance dynamic range. Industry expert Ming-Chi Kuo has indicated that Samsung is expected to begin shipping 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera sensors to Apple for iPhones as early as 2026, coinciding with the anticipated release of the iPhone 18 Pro models.
Another highly anticipated feature for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max is the introduction of under-display Face ID. Display analyst Ross Young has indicated that this feature may finally debut in 2026, having originally projected its arrival with the iPhone 17 Pro lineup. While Face ID sensors will be hidden beneath the display, the Dynamic Island is expected to remain, although it may shrink in size. There’s also speculation that Apple might adopt a single punch-hole cutout for the front-facing camera, similar to designs seen on leading Android devices like the Pixel 9 or Galaxy S25.
The exact implementation of these features remains uncertain, and plans could evolve as development progresses. However, the potential advancements in the iPhone 18 series showcase Apple's commitment to innovation and enhancing user experience.
