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Although we are still in the iPhone 16 series era and there is no confirmation on the release date of the iPhone 17 series, we have already heard rumors about the iPhone 18 series.

It seems that both Apple fans and analysts can’t help but look to the more distant future. Considering that component orders and manufacturing decisions usually need to be planned in advance, some rumors about the iPhone 18 series may really be verified in the future.

Below, I’ve called out the five biggest rumors surrounding the iPhone 18 series, keeping in mind though that I expect some of these to only apply to the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.

Variable aperture camera

The iPhone 18 series could bring variable aperture cameras to Apple’s mobile platform for the first time, allowing users to physically control the light that the sensor is exposed to.

Current iPhones offer an approximation of aperture control by controlling shutter speed and processing the image with software, but a true variable aperture would allow for much more flexibility in light intake and depth of field.

As a pocket report, the well-known Apple whistleblower suggested in late 2024 that Apple would order a large number of variable aperture camera components in time for production in 2026.

Variable aperture cameras are currently limited to select Android phones, such as the Huawei Mate XT phone and the Xiaomi Mi 16 Ultra. Included is a camera control button with the iPhone 18.

A new professional camera sensor

Another iPhone 18 camera rumor involves the adoption of a new sensor for the main camera of both pro models. According to a well-known leaker, Apple will use a new three-layer Samsung sensor for the main camera of the iPhone 18 Pro, utilizing a technology called “PD-TR logic”.

As Macro reports, this new sensor should bring countless benefits to the camera’s response time, dynamic range, and reduced noise in photos.

Face ID under the screen

As early as May 2024, industry analysts pointed out that Apple might begin introducing under-screen Face ID technology in 2026. Previously, some more authoritative analysts had predicted that the sensor technology required for Face ID would be first used in the under-screen display of the iPhone 17 series, although this timetable was later adjusted.

As mentioned earlier, we expect the iPhone 18 series to be released in 2026, so the new under-screen Face ID technology is likely to come with it. As with Apple’s previous strategy for new hardware features, under-screen Face ID is expected to be first applied to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models.

It’s unclear whether Apple will also put the selfie camera under the screen, or just hide the infrared sensors needed for Face ID under the screen. Currently, there are still very few phones on the market with under-screen cameras, although there are some well-known examples, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6.

3NM chipset

It’s time to get more tech-savvy. According to the latest rumors, Apple’s A20 and A20 Pro chipsets that may power the iPhone 18 series will be based on 3NM process technology instead of the newly emerged 2NM process pioneered by chipset maker powerhouse TSMC.

What does this mean? In simple terms, processors are measured by the minimum size of a single transistor, which is now so small that it is measured in nanometers (nm). As this size gets smaller, more transistors can be crammed into the same size chip, resulting in more processing power.

However, terms like “3nm” and “2nm” are more marketing names and do not completely correspond to the actual physical size. But overall, the transition from 3nm process to 2nm process does represent a major leap in performance.

It is worth mentioning that the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are the world’s first commercially available mobile phones equipped with 3nm chipsets – however, Apple does not seem to be in a hurry to switch to 2nm process technology.

LTPO+ displays – like LTPO, but a step further

A reliable whistleblower revealed at the end of 2024 that the iPhone 18 Pro series will be equipped with a new LTPO+ display panel. In the post published by the analyst, they pointed out that this new display technology will bring higher “speed” and will also further improve energy efficiency.

Unfortunately, there is currently no indication that the base iPhone 18 will be equipped with a high-refresh rate LTPO screen – although based on recent rumors about the iPhone 17 series, this situation may change by 2026.

Are you looking forward to the upcoming iPhone 18 series? Or are you more concerned about the upcoming iPhone 17 series? Please tell us what you think in the comments section below!

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