Skipping the iPhone 17 Pro? Here Are Key iPhone 18 Pro Rumors So Far

[MacRumors]

While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are still a year away, there are already several early rumors about the devices.

Below, we recap some key iPhone 18 Pro rumors.

Under-Screen Face ID

In April 2023, display industry analyst Ross Young shared a roadmap showing that iPhone 17 Pro models would feature under-display Face ID. In May 2024, however, Young said he heard this change had been delayed until 2026. If so, that means that under-screen Face ID could debut on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max next year.

As a result of the under-screen Face ID, Young believes that the iPhone 18 Pro models will have a smaller Dynamic Island.

In May, The Information also reported that the iPhone 18 Pro models would likely be equipped with under-screen Face ID.

Variable Aperture

The main 48-megapixel Fusion camera on both iPhone 18 Pro models will offer variable aperture, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

With variable aperture, users would be able to control the amount of light that passes through the camera's lens and reaches the sensor. The main cameras on iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro models have a fixed aperture of ƒ/1.78, and the lens is always fully open and shooting with this widest aperture. With the iPhone 18 Pro models, users would be able to manually change the aperture, according to this rumor.

A variable aperture on iPhone 18 Pro models should provide users with greater control over depth of field, which refers to how sharp a subject appears in the foreground compared to the background. However, given that iPhones have smaller image sensors due to size constraints, it is unclear exactly how meaningful this improvement would be.

Samsung Image Sensor

Samsung is developing a new three-layer stacked image sensor that Apple is expected to use for at least one camera on the iPhone 18 Pro models, according to DigiTimes. This advanced image sensor would make the camera more responsive, and offer other benefits like reduced noise in photos, increased dynamic range, and more.

In July 2024, Kuo said he expected Samsung to begin shipping 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera sensors to Apple for iPhones as early as 2026, which is when the iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to be released.

Just this week, the Financial Times said Samsung will manufacture the image sensors in Texas.

Currently, all iPhone image sensors are supplied by Sony.

Other Rumors

iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to have an A20 Pro chip (2nm) and Apple's custom C2 modem.

Article Link: Skipping the iPhone 17 Pro? Here Are Key iPhone 18 Pro Rumors So Far

 

[MacUserFella]

There’s always gonna be that one lil dude who says “I’m skipping this year’s iPhone” and still has like an iPhone 6 or something

 

[jrath1]

Any iPhone 19 rumors?

 

[jz0309]

well, screw that iPhone 17 line-up then ... 18 to the rescue!!!
wait, what about the 19?
Hmm, my 13PM calls for help

 

[alexandr]

Based on what I read here both the 17 aaand the 18 are going to be half-assed upgrades, which will both fade once the 20 year anniversary model is unveiled. Not sure how to go about this...

 

[haunebu]

What color is it coming in this year?

 

[TheDailyApple]

There’s always gonna be that one lil dude who says “I’m skipping this year’s iPhone” and still has like an iPhone 6 or something

Honestly a goated move. I respect it when someone acknowledges that what they have serves their needs rather than upgrading just because they can.

 

[Havalo]

A revolutionary change will be necessary to attract the awakened masses to upgrade otherwise, I find no compelling reason to upgrade from the iPhone 15 until the iPhone 20 is released, especially if Apple continues with its current approach to 'innovation'.

I could be wrong.

 

[DaveN]

48 mega pixels on a phone camera is crazy detailed. I wonder if the lens is capable of resolving the scene to that detail.

 

[Duncan-UK]

If Face ID is under the screen then why the need for something as obtrusive as the “dynamic” island in the first place? Punch out hole only for the front camera?

 

[DBZmusicboy01]

🥱 iPhone 17 Pros will be way better deal. Why wait one more year for something very incremental? While this year’s will be an iPhone X equivalent jump.

 

[PhantomStar]

I'm skipping this years iPhone 17 as I still have a 14P, waiting for either the 18 or the anniversary 20 most likely as Apple likes to skip the number 9 (i.e 19) for some reason

 

[turbineseaplane]

I only care about one thing


Will it be “Built for Apple Intelligence”?

 

[HouseLannister]

And one of them folds.

 

[HouseLannister]

I'm skipping this years iPhone 17 as I still have a 14P, waiting for either the 18 or the anniversary 20 most likely as Apple likes to skip the number 9 (i.e 19) for some reason

Microsoft skipped 9 before skipping 9 was cool.

 

[repoman016]

Any iPhone 19 rumors?

After 18, they will call it iPhone 26

 

[Icehawk]

Eh. Waiting for the iBadge communicator. Gotta beam myself away from these fragile things.

 

[Kulfon]

I am skipping 17 pro because it will be outdated in 2 months and also skipping 18 pro. But maybe there is some info available on 19 pro? Thanks!

 

[jz0309]

Based on what I read here both the 17 aaand the 18 are going to be half-assed upgrades, which will both fade once the 20 year anniversary model is unveiled. Not sure how to go about this...

"half-assed" from what perspective? and for who?
Those of us who have older phones might find them very compelling, eg I have a 13PM and the rumors entice me to maybe upgrade to a 17PM, but I will make my decision after I know what it actually does.
And if someone will be a 19 in the future, the 20 might be "Half-assed" ...

an iPhone is a tool that needs to be replaced after it has served some useful time, that timeframe is different for a lot of people ...

 

[azentropy]

I just want a smaller option - bring back a 5.9"ish Pro option (what the X,Xs and 11 Pro's were) in an updated form factor with slim bezels!

 

[HouseLannister]

I am skipping 17 pro because it will be outdated in 2 months and also skipping 18 pro. But maybe there is some info available on 19 pro? Thanks!

Prototype spotted in Black Mirror

 

[nfl46]

Any iPhone 19 rumors?

Don't worry. All the iPhone 18 features will get delayed until the following year. Lol.

 

[nfl46]

Prototype spotted in Black Mirror
View attachment 2535731

I can see Meta trying something like this in the next 10 years. Lol.

 

[netsped]

After 18, they will call it iPhone 26

They'll do that this year.

 

[martint235]

There’s always gonna be that one lil dude who says “I’m skipping this year’s iPhone” and still has like an iPhone 6 or something

But they are matched by the people who say “I’m skipping the 17” and then they are the second post on the iPhone 17 dispatch date thread.