Leaked renders and analyst notes suggest Apple is planning a big design shift with the iPhone 18 Pro lineup and could launch its first foldable iPhone later this year.
Quick Summary – TLDR:
- iPhone 18 Pro may introduce under-display Face ID, shrinking the Dynamic Island and shifting the front camera to the top-left.
- Apple is expected to launch a foldable iPhone with dual 48MP cameras and Touch ID, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.
- The new A20 Pro chip, built on a 2nm process, promises faster performance and better efficiency across all premium models.
- Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series faces pressure as Apple pushes forward with bolder innovation and tighter hardware integration.
What Happened?
Several credible leaks have surfaced detailing the design and specs of Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and possibly the first-ever foldable iPhone. These reports come from analysts like Jeff Pu and leakers like Jon Prosser, offering the clearest look yet at what to expect when Apple unveils its 2026 lineup. If accurate, these updates could mark the most significant iPhone redesign since the iPhone X.
new iPhone 18 leaks are out and it’s so funny how they going back to 2018
— linie (@linie_oo) January 18, 2026
they added a punch hole in the left top corner of the screen after rejecting it for so many years
allegedly, some Face ID components could be moved under the display
and knowing Apple, under-display… pic.twitter.com/ZxiJqfEQkk
Under-Display Face ID and a Smaller Dynamic Island
One of the standout changes in the leaked design for the iPhone 18 Pro is the introduction of under-display Face ID. Apple has reportedly found a way to hide its structured light sensors under the screen, which allows for a cleaner front design and the relocation of the front-facing camera to the top-left corner.
- The Dynamic Island, once a central design element, may shrink significantly or shift to the side, keeping its software functions intact while minimizing screen interruption.
- The front camera is said to be an 18MP sensor with 6P lens.
- Render videos show a slightly refined design that closely resembles the iPhone 17 Pro but introduces new color options like Burgundy, Brown, and Purple.
Big Hardware Upgrades Across the Board
All three high-end iPhones like iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and the rumored foldable are expected to feature Apple’s upcoming A20 Pro chip, built on a 2nm process. This chipset will likely be paired with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a C2 modem, replacing Qualcomm’s modem for tighter Apple integration.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models are also rumored to bring back a variable aperture system for their primary 48MP cameras, a feature Samsung introduced years ago but later abandoned.
Other hardware highlights:
- Periscope 48MP telephoto camera for enhanced zoom.
- Smaller, pressure-based Camera Control button, dropping capacitive technology.
- Aluminum casing for the Pro models; Titanium-aluminum combo for the foldable variant.
First Foldable iPhone Might Finally Arrive
Perhaps the biggest surprise is that Apple may finally unveil its first foldable iPhone. Reports suggest a 7.8-inch main display with a 5.3-inch cover screen, dual 18MP front cameras, and a dual 48MP rear camera setup.
- This foldable model will skip Face ID in favor of Touch ID, possibly due to design constraints.
- The foldable is likely to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in September 2026, though some reports hint at potential production hurdles that could delay it.
- It could mark Apple’s first major product shift in years and challenge Samsung’s dominance in the foldable space.
Staggered Launch Strategy
Leaks indicate Apple might not launch the base iPhone 18 models this year. Instead, only the Pro and Foldable variants are expected to debut in 2026, while the regular iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and the rumored iPhone Air 2 might arrive in early 2027.
This staggered rollout could make the iPhone 18 Pro the most affordable new iPhone at launch, depending on how Apple prices its foldable.
SQ Magazine Takeaway
I think this is the boldest move Apple has made in years. Under-display Face ID, a potential end to the iconic Dynamic Island, and the long-rumored foldable finally becoming real. Samsung has coasted with modest upgrades on its S26 series, and this could be the wake-up call it needs. If even half these features make it into the final iPhone 18 Pro lineup, this fall could be one of the most exciting iPhone events in a decade.
