Smaller Dynamic Island is back on the table for 2026.
A20 Pro on TSMC’s 2nm could bring a bigger year-over-year jump.
Apple’s in-house C2 modem may arrive on Pro models with mmWave in the U.S.
Variable-aperture main camera and a pressure-sensitive Camera Control are tipped.
What changed for 2026
If you can skip the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the most credible 2026 leaks point to a refined front cutout and a more meaningful silicon update. Reports say Apple will keep Dynamic Island but make it narrower, freeing a bit more status-bar space without moving Face ID under the display yet.
Under-panel Face ID is now considered later than 2026. The overall sizes should stay familiar at 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches.
On performance, supply-chain chatter suggests Apple will reserve significant TSMC N2 capacity for the A20 Pro. A 2nm move typically improves efficiency and AI headroom over the 3nm A19 generation in the iPhone 17 Pro line.
Connectivity may be the other big swing. Multiple reports point to Apple’s own C2 modem showing up on 2026 Pro models, adding mmWave in the U.S. and tightening power management. In dense urban areas, that could translate to faster bursts and better battery behavior.
Cameras could gain real control. A variable aperture on the 48 MP main camera has been tipped, enabling shallower or deeper depth of field in hardware rather than relying solely on computational tricks. A new pressure-sensitive Camera Control button has also been rumored.
Who should wait
Camera tinkerers: Variable aperture and a dedicated Camera Control would offer more direct shooting control than iPhone 17.
Variable aperture and a dedicated Camera Control would offer more direct shooting control than iPhone 17. Network enthusiasts in U.S. cities: An Apple C2 modem with mmWave could deliver snappier peaks and improved efficiency.
An Apple C2 modem with mmWave could deliver snappier peaks and improved efficiency. Performance hawks: A20 Pro on 2nm should produce a larger jump than a typical annual update.
Release window
Current roadmaps point to September 2026 for iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Some chatter suggests the base iPhone 18 could trail into early 2027, but treat that as tentative until closer to next fall.
Caveats and limitations
No under-display Face ID yet: Expect a smaller Island in 2026, not a hidden sensor array.
Expect a smaller Island in 2026, not a hidden sensor array. Rumors can shift: 2nm yields and parts availability could change specs or ship dates.
2nm yields and parts availability could change specs or ship dates. Design continuity: Expect an evolution of the iPhone 17 Pro/Max look, not a full redesign. Whispers like a translucent MagSafe ring remain speculative.
Practical tips