Key Takeaways
1. New Camera Design: The iPhone 18 Pro may adopt a Hole-In-Active-Area (HIAA) design for the front camera, potentially replacing the current Dynamic Island notch.
2. Variable Aperture Feature: Apple is testing a new main camera with a variable aperture for improved light control, a feature previously introduced by Samsung.
3. Design Changes: The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to retain the large horizontal camera island and may also feature a transparent back design.
4. Transparent Innovation: If Apple implements a transparent back, it could influence other smartphone manufacturers to explore similar designs.
5. Battery Updates: The iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumored to include a steel-cased battery, possibly similar to the vapor chamber design used in previous models.
Less than two months after the launch of the Apple iPhone 17, talks about the upcoming iPhone 18 series are already buzzing around. Recently, Digital Chat Station has shared some intriguing news regarding the front and back cameras, along with the battery for the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max.
New Camera Design
Digital Chat Station mentions that Apple is considering a Hole-In-Active-Area (HIAA) design for the front camera on the iPhone 18 Pro. If this concept is included in the final product, the current Dynamic Island could be replaced with a smaller punch-hole design. It’s uncertain what modifications Apple might make to enhance Face ID technology to fit this system into a compact punch-hole, as the existing version needs the larger Dynamic Island notch.
Exciting Aperture Features
Moreover, Apple is said to be testing a new main camera for the iPhone 18 Pro that comes with a variable aperture. Unlike most smartphones, which typically have a fixed aperture, a variable aperture provides more control over how much light gets to the camera sensor. This feature can significantly improve exposure and depth of field.
Samsung was the pioneer in this technology, introducing variable aperture with the Galaxy S9 in 2018. Nowadays, Chinese brands like Xiaomi, Huawei, and Nubia are among the few that have smartphones featuring this capability.
Possible Design Changes
Interestingly, a similar rumor about the Galaxy S26 Ultra surfaced back in March 2025. However, the latest leaks regarding the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera do not mention a variable aperture at all.
Furthermore, DCS asserts that Apple will keep the large horizontal camera island on the back of the iPhone 18 Pro. This suggests that the camera housing redesign seen in the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max might be revisited next year. Even more fascinating is the report that Cupertino is contemplating a transparent back design for the iPhone 18 Pro.
Transparent Innovation
Aside from Nothing, no other smartphone manufacturers are focusing on transparent designs. Given that Android companies often follow Apple’s lead, we might see more transparent elements in upcoming devices if the iPhone 18 Pro indeed features a see-through back panel.
Battery Updates
Lastly, DCS reveals that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will include a steel-cased battery for the first time. AppleInsider notes that DCS may be referring to a vapor chamber similar to the one found in the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max.
Even though these speculated features for the iPhone 18 Pro sound thrilling, it’s still too early to know for sure what Apple has planned for the 2026 iPhones. Therefore, it’s wise to take this information with a big grain of salt.
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