Apple is reportedly testing significant design and camera innovations, including a multi-level aperture system and a potentially translucent back panel, for its premium iPhone 18 Pro models slated for a 2026 release.
The primary focus of these early hardware tests is said to be the camera system, according to Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station on the social media platform Weibo.
Apple is heavily prioritizing tests for a main camera capable of supporting multiple aperture levels on both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
This potential upgrade would allow the next-generation iPhones to capture more light across various environments, enhancing image detail and providing more depth for portrait photography. The current iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max models feature a main camera with an f/1.78 aperture.
Reports from multiple sources, including South Korean news outlet ET News, corroborate the claims, suggesting a high likelihood of this feature being implemented.
Beyond the camera, Apple is also reportedly exploring a redesigned, translucent back panel for the iPhone 18 Pro series, a radical departure from previous iPhone aesthetics.
Further testing is underway for advanced under-panel display technology. This aims to reduce the size of the front camera’s punch-hole cutout and integrate Face ID sensors beneath the screen, a design approach seen in several premium Android smartphones.
Despite these potential changes, the overall arrangement of the rear cameras is expected to remain consistent with the iPhone 17 Pro lineup.
The iPhone 18 Series is not scheduled for release until September 2026, leaving more than 10 months for further design updates and changes.
Looking further ahead, Apple is rumored to be planning a major design and innovation overhaul for the iPhone 20, expected in 2027 to mark the 20th anniversary of the iPhone’s launch. This could include solid-state buttons with haptic feedback, extremely thin display bezels, and advanced LOFIC camera sensors designed for enhanced dynamic range and image quality.