September 9, 2026, 8:35 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Today, Wednesday, September 9, the next big Apple event is taking place, and the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are ready to launch. A lot is already known about the new devices. Both technically and externally, they are expected to differ from their predecessors, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro, with a particular focus on the camera. However, the enhanced technology is likely to come at a price.
Camera with Variable Aperture
The biggest change is likely to be found in the camera of the new Pro models: Apple is reportedly using a main camera with a variable aperture for the first time. This technology allows the aperture to be adjusted depending on the shooting situation. As a result, the camera can let in more or less light onto the sensor, giving users additional control over depth of field.
This would allow for more natural background blur, especially in portrait shots. At the same time, a smaller aperture could be advantageous for landscape or architectural photography, as larger areas of the image would be in focus.
The main camera is also expected to feature a new, larger 48-megapixel sensor.
Thicker Camera Module and New Casing
The new camera components are expected to require more space. Dummy models suggest that the camera module of the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max could be significantly larger than that of the current devices.
The entire casing is also expected to increase slightly. Sources from the supply chain report an increase of between 0.05 and 0.25 millimeters. However, some accessory manufacturers seem to assume that the difference from the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max is only slight. Otterbox, for example, is already selling cases that, according to the manufacturer, are suitable for both the iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 18 Pro.
Dynamic Island Reduced?
At the beginning of the year, there were persistent rumors that Apple could completely hide the Face ID technology under the display with the new Pro models. However, it is now clear that the technology is not yet mature enough for the mass market.
Instead, Apple is likely to focus on reducing the size of the Dynamic Island. The small pill around the selfie camera and Face ID is expected to shrink by 35 percent.
A20 Pro in Modern 2-Nanometer Process
Under the hood, Apple is expected to use the new A20 Pro chip. This is manufactured using the modern 2-nanometer process, which is also used for the recently released M6. The switch to the new manufacturing technology is likely to improve both performance and energy efficiency.
Larger Batteries and eSIM Advantages
Apple could also make improvements to the battery. Both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to have increased capacity. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to come with 4,288 milliampere-hours (mAh). The iPhone 18 Pro Max could even have 5,567 mAh. However, these figures apply only to the eSIM variants.
According to reports, Apple could offer pure eSIM models in Europe for the first time. If so, buyers here would also benefit from the larger battery capacities.
Also interesting: What new devices does Apple have in the works?
Leak Reveals Battery Size of iPhone 18 Pro
Apple Announces iPhone Event–Here’s What to Expect
New Colors for the Pro Models
Apple might also adjust the colors of its premium smartphones. Alleged SIM card holders for the iPhone 18 Pro models have surfaced in advance in gray, light blue, and cherry red. Additionally, earlier dummy units suggest that dark gray is also an option.
Price Could Rise Significantly
Industry analysts consider a significant price increase for the Pro models possible. The reason is the rising costs for memory chips and the production of the new A20 Pro chip.
Accordingly, Apple could raise the prices for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max by 200 to 300 U.S. dollars. In this scenario, the iPhone 18 Pro would cost between 1,199 and 1,299 U.S. dollars, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max could rise to 1,399 to 1,499 U.S. dollars. Similar price increases would likely occur in Europe as well.