As the tech world gears up for Apple’s annual September launch event, new information from the supply chain suggests the upcoming iPhone 18 series may not bring the major design overhaul some were hoping for. A recent leak indicates that Apple might be adopting a more conservative approach to the device’s external look, choosing instead to focus on significant internal upgrades, particularly in the performance department.
| Feature | Rumoured Specification (iPhone 18 Pro Models) |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.27-inch (Pro) / 6.86-inch (Pro Max) |
| Chipset | Apple A20 Pro (2nm) |
| RAM | 12GB LPDDR5x |
| Rear Camera | Triple 48-megapixel sensors |
| Front Camera | 18-megapixel sensor |
| Expected Launch | September 2024 |
A Familiar Design
According to a post on the Chinese social media platform Weibo by a tipster known as Fixed Focus Digital, Apple is unlikely to introduce any significant aesthetic changes to the iPhone 18 lineup. The rationale provided is straightforward: the strong sales performance of the iPhone 17 series has given the company little incentive to alter a winning formula. If this leak holds, the iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max will likely retain the core design language and dimensions of their predecessors.
Focus on Performance
Instead of a visual refresh, Apple’s primary focus for the 2024 iPhone models appears to be on optimising performance. The report claims the company will prioritise the integration of its next-generation chipsets, widely expected to be the A20 and A20 Pro.
This move is particularly noteworthy as these chips are rumoured to be Apple’s first silicon manufactured on a 2nm process. A shift to a 2nm architecture would represent a major leap in both processing power and energy efficiency, potentially delivering substantial gains in speed and battery life.
Revisiting Previous Rumours
This latest information contrasts with some earlier rumours that pointed towards more noticeable design tweaks for the Pro models. Over the past few months, speculation suggested that Apple was working on moving the Face ID components under the display, which would result in a much smaller Dynamic Island or even a simple hole-punch cutout for the front camera.
While those changes could still be in the pipeline for future iPhones, the current consensus seems to be shifting towards a more iterative update for this year’s release.
What to Expect Under the Hood
Beyond the chipset, other leaks have painted a picture of what the iPhone 18 Pro models might offer. The iPhone 18 Pro is tipped to feature a 6.27-inch display, while the Pro Max variant could boast a larger 6.86-inch screen. Both models are expected to be equipped with 12GB of LPDDR5x RAM, a notable increase that would enhance multitasking capabilities.
The camera system is also slated for a significant upgrade, with rumours pointing to a triple-camera setup where all three sensors are 48-megapixels. The front-facing camera may also see a bump to an 18-megapixel sensor.
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in September, potentially alongside the much-anticipated iPhone Fold. The standard iPhone 18, which is said to feature a 6.27-inch panel, might be announced at a later date. Despite the internal upgrades, pricing is rumoured to remain consistent with the current iPhone 17 lineup, which would be welcome news for consumers considering an upgrade.
