iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max expected in September 2026 with under-display Face ID, A20 Pro chip, bigger battery and major camera upgrades.
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max expected in September 2026 [Photo: X]
With 2026 just months away, leaks about Apple’s next flagship phones, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, are already offering an early look at what could be one of the most notable upgrades in years.
While Apple typically unveils its new iPhones in September, 2026 rumours point to more than just incremental hardware improvements, hinting at design shifts, a stronger battery focus and powerful new internals that may appeal to power users and photography enthusiasts alike.
Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September 2026, following its traditional annual release schedule. The company usually holds its iPhone event in the second week of September, with pre-orders beginning shortly after and sales starting within 10 days of the announcement.
While Apple has not confirmed any details, supply chain leaks and industry analysts suggest the timeline will remain unchanged.
Pricing remains unofficial, but early expectations suggest Apple may try to keep the iPhone 18 Pro series within a similar range as the current Pro lineup. If Apple maintains its current pricing strategy:
However, component costs, 2nm chip production expenses and global supply-chain factors could influence final pricing. Apple may avoid major price hikes, especially in markets like India, where flagship pricing has already crossed the premium threshold.
One of the most talked-about leaks is the possibility of under-display Face ID technology, which would finally reduce or even eliminate the familiar pill-shaped notch and Dynamic Island seen on recent iPhones.
Reports suggest Apple may hide most of the Face ID sensors beneath the screen, resulting in either:
A smaller visible cutout for the selfie camera, or
A punch-hole camera in the top-left corner for a more immersive screen experience.
This change could make the front look more modern and minimal compared with current iPhone designs.
Under the hood, both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are widely expected to debut Apple’s A20 Pro chipset built on TSMC’s cutting-edge 2nm fabrication process. This next-generation chip promise includes:
Leaks point to substantial battery improvements, especially for the Pro Max model. One reliable supply-chain whisperer indicates the iPhone 18 Pro Max may include a battery between 5,100mAh and 5,200mAh, making it one of the largest batteries ever seen in an iPhone.
Combined with the efficient A20 Pro chip, this could deliver over 40 hours of typical use and extended screen-on time compared to earlier models.
Apple appears ready to push the camera technology even further. Rumours suggest the Pro models may include:
These upgrades could deliver clearer night shots, richer detail and more depth-of-field control — features that serious photographers will appreciate.
While the overall design might remain broadly similar to the iPhone 17 Pro’s clean lines and premium build, early leak renders show possible changes such as:
Both models may feature Apple’s C2 in-house modem, improving 5G performance and unlocking support for mmWave in more markets. Rumours also mention enhanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards for faster and more reliable connections.
Not all rumours point to dramatic redesigns. Some credible sources say Apple might continue the familiar iPhone look with subtle design refinements, choosing instead to focus on performance, battery and camera improvements.
Based on current leaks, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max could deliver a more noticeable upgrade cycle than some recent years, with improved performance, stronger battery life and meaningful camera enhancements.
These refinements may make them appealing for users looking to upgrade or switch to Apple’s ecosystem — though official confirmation will only arrive with Apple’s keynote in September 2026.
