Recent leaks suggest that Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro could feature a smaller Dynamic Island, potentially reducing the size of the pill-shaped cutout on the display for a more immersive screen experience. Alongside this, the device may also sport a transparent glass back, reminiscent of past experimental designs like the 2018 Galaxy S9. Further details hint at a variable aperture camera and the new A20 Pro chip, indicating Apple’s continued push towards innovative hardware in its 2026 flagship lineup.
Smaller Dynamic Island: A Refined Notch Design
According to recent leaks, the iPhone 18 Pro’s Dynamic Island is set to undergo a significant size reduction. This change aims to minimize visual interruption on the front display, enhancing the user’s interaction with notifications and apps. This redesign is being touted as a “BIG change” for the Dynamic Island feature, which was first introduced in the iPhone 14 Pro series.
The smaller Dynamic Island could integrate more seamlessly with the Super Retina XDR display, potentially allowing for fuller edge-to-edge visuals without compromising Face ID functionality. This design evolution signals Apple’s commitment to providing an immersive and uninterrupted viewing experience for its users.
Transparent Back: Aesthetic and Functional Shift
Reports suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro models may feature a transparent glass back, offering a glimpse into the device’s internals like the battery and chipset. Apple is reportedly testing this transparent design, which could use advanced materials to balance aesthetics with protection against drops and scratches.
This concept draws parallels to experimental transparent elements in premium smartphones, potentially differentiating the iPhone 18 Pro in a crowded market. The transparent back design could serve as both an aesthetic and functional shift, offering users a unique look into the device’s inner workings while maintaining durability.
Variable Aperture Camera: Emulating Galaxy S9 Innovations
The iPhone 18 Pro’s main camera is rumored to feature a variable aperture system, similar to the one introduced in the 2018 Galaxy S9 for better low-light performance and depth control. This hardware detail would allow the camera lens to adjust its aperture dynamically, improving photo quality across various lighting conditions. The integration with Apple’s computational photography could enable features like enhanced portrait modes and macro shots with greater precision.
A20 Pro Chip: Powering Next-Gen Performance
Leaked information also highlights the inclusion of a new A20 Pro chip in the iPhone 18 Pro, expected to deliver substantial improvements in processing speed and efficiency over previous generations. Built on advanced node technology, the A20 Pro would support demanding tasks like AI-driven features and high-resolution video editing.
This upgrade aligns with Apple’s ongoing silicon advancements, potentially enabling longer battery life and smoother multitasking. The A20 Pro chip represents Apple’s commitment to delivering top-tier performance, ensuring that the iPhone 18 Pro can handle the most demanding tasks with ease.
Other Hardware Upgrades and Leaks
Additional rumors suggest enhancements in battery capacity and display brightness for the iPhone 18 Pro, complementing the core design changes. The transparent back and camera tweaks are part of a broader set of “more upgrades,” including possible refinements to the rear camera array for better zoom capabilities. These elements collectively position the iPhone 18 Pro as a device focused on both visual innovation and practical performance gains.
These rumored features and upgrades indicate that Apple is pushing the boundaries of smartphone design and performance with the iPhone 18 Pro. With a smaller Dynamic Island, a transparent back, a variable aperture camera, and the new A20 Pro chip, the iPhone 18 Pro is shaping up to be a significant leap forward in Apple’s flagship lineup. As always, we’ll have to wait for official confirmation from Apple to know for sure, but the leaks certainly paint an exciting picture of what’s to come in 2026.
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