iPhone 18 Pro Set to Remove Dynamic Island, Introduce Variable Aperture Camera
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 series is shaping up to be one of the biggest design and technology upgrades in iPhone history. According to multiple industry analysts, including Jeff Pu, Apple is preparing a bold shift that could redefine smartphones in 2026.
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| iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Fold leaks 2026 Apple major design upgrade |
Leaked details suggest Apple is not only upgrading performance but also eliminating the Dynamic Island, launching professional-grade camera controls, and introducing its first-ever foldable iPhone. All of this comes at a time when the global smartphone market is expected to shrink—yet Apple reportedly aims to grow its market share to 21% with nearly 250 million iPhone shipments.
Let’s take a detailed look at what the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Fold may bring.
iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max: Goodbye Dynamic Island
Apple is reportedly ending the Dynamic Island era with the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. Instead, Apple plans to introduce under-display Face ID, delivering a true edge-to-edge screen experience for the first time.
This change is more than cosmetic—it represents a major engineering leap. Face ID sensors will be hidden beneath the display, while the selfie camera is expected to move to the top-left corner of the screen. Though unusual for Apple, this layout allows better sensor placement while maintaining Face ID accuracy.
Apple is said to be working with OTI Lumionics to achieve this breakthrough. The new system reportedly uses ultra-thin metalens technology, which bends light through microscopic surface patterns instead of traditional curved lenses. This enables Face ID to function reliably even when placed under the display.
A20 Pro Chip: Power Meets Efficiency
The iPhone 18 Pro models will be powered by Apple’s A20 Pro chip, built using TSMC’s advanced 2nm process. This chip is expected to deliver massive gains in:
- Performance speed
- Power efficiency
- Thermal management
Apple is also adopting Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) packaging, which places memory closer to the processor. This results in faster data access, reduced heat generation, and improved battery life—critical for high-performance devices with slim designs.
DSLR-Level Camera Upgrade: Variable Aperture Arrives
One of the most exciting upgrades is the introduction of variable aperture technology on the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Unlike previous iPhones that used a fixed aperture, the new system includes a mechanical iris, similar to professional DSLR cameras. This allows users to manually control how much light enters the lens, resulting in:
- True optical background blur
- Better low-light photography
- Greater creative control for professionals
This marks a major shift away from purely computational photography toward real optical control.
Camera Highlights:
- 200MP main camera sensor (Samsung) on Pro Max
- Variable aperture support
- 24MP upgraded front camera across all models
- Possible 2TB storage option for Pro Max
These upgrades make the iPhone 18 Pro Max a serious contender against professional cameras, especially for creators and filmmakers.
Brighter Display & Bigger Battery
To support these power-hungry features, Apple is upgrading both display and battery:
- 6.9-inch display on Pro Max
- Peak brightness up to 3,000 nits
- Battery capacity around 5,100 mAh
This ensures longer screen-on time, better outdoor visibility, and improved video recording endurance.
iPhone Fold: Apple’s Most Ambitious Device Yet
Apple’s first foldable phone, widely referred to as the iPhone Fold, is expected to debut alongside the Pro models.
Design & Display
- 5.3-inch outer display
- 7.6-inch inner foldable screen
Thickness:
- Folded: ~9–9.5mm
- Unfolded: ~4.5–4.8mm
These dimensions would make it one of the thinnest foldable phones ever.
No Crease Display
Reports suggest Apple may have solved the biggest foldable issue—the visible crease. If true, this would be a major breakthrough, setting Apple far ahead of existing foldable devices.
Samsung is expected to supply the ultra-thin glass display, while Apple refines the hinge design.
Touch ID Returns (For Fold)
Instead of Face ID, the iPhone Fold will reportedly use Touch ID integrated into the side button. This decision makes sense due to the multiple orientations and folding positions of the device.
Battery, Modem & Performance
- Battery capacity: 5,400–5,800 mAh (largest ever in an iPhone)
- A20 chip (2nm)
- Apple’s in-house C2 modem with mmWave 5G support
This move continues Apple’s push toward full hardware independence, improving efficiency and connectivity.
Pricing & Launch Strategy
Apple is expected to adjust its launch strategy:
September 2026:
- iPhone 18 Pro
- iPhone 18 Pro Max
- iPhone Fold
March 2027:
- Standard iPhone 18
- iPhone Air 2
Expected Price:
iPhone Fold: $2,000 – $2,500
Apple is positioning the Fold as a premium hybrid device, competing with tablets and laptops rather than regular smartphones.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 18 series could mark the most significant leap Apple has made in years. From removing the Dynamic Island and adding true professional camera controls, to launching a crease-free foldable iPhone, Apple is clearly betting big on innovation.
If these leaks prove accurate, the 2026 iPhone lineup won’t just upgrade smartphones—it may redefine what users expect from mobile devices for the next decade.
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