Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 17e, planned for release in 2026, are shaping up with refinements and some notable upgrades. While much information is well corroborated, several key details remain unconfirmed.
Design Stability and Refinement in iPhone 18 Pro
The iPhone 18 Pro is projected to continue with the rear camera design introduced on the iPhone 17 Pro, featuring the recognizable full-width camera plateau that houses a triple-lens system. A slight modification in the transparent glass section below this plateau might appear, giving the rear a refined touch without drastic redesign.
- Screen sizes are expected to remain consistent with prior models: approximately 6.3 inches for the Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max variant.
- Apple is likely to introduce new color options for these devices.
- A smaller Dynamic Island is anticipated on the front display, offering increased screen space without sacrificing core functionality.
- The inclusion of under-display Face ID technology is still uncertain; some leaks suggest its arrival in 2026 while others indicate it might debut later. It remains an open question for now.
- The A20 chip fabricated on TSMC’s 2nm process is expected to power the device, promising enhancements in speed and power efficiency.
- Camera upgrades such as a variable aperture lens and improved zoom capabilities are also rumored. [1][4][8]
Significant Design Leap for iPhone 17e on Display Technology
The iPhone 17e, Apple’s budget-focused model anticipated in early 2026, will replace the traditional notch with the Dynamic Island interface. This update aligns the entry-level model visually with higher-end iPhones but preserves some cost efficiencies. [5][11][12]
- The device will retain a 60Hz refresh rate, foregoing the smoother ProMotion technology available on Pro models.
- It will integrate Apple’s A19 chip, balancing performance and affordability.
- The release is expected early in 2026, but exact timing awaits Apple’s final schedule.
Areas Still Under Discussion and User Considerations
Transparency about potential uncertainties is essential to maintain trust. Readers should note:
- Under-Display Face ID: Rumors vary; no official confirmation currently exists. Its introduction may depend on technical and manufacturing factors.
- Dynamic Island Size on iPhone 18 Pro: Details about the exact dimensions or design tweaks are not finalized and subject to change.
- Camera Innovations: Features like variable aperture and zoom improvements are widely anticipated but await official verification post-release.
- Release Dates: While Apple traditionally launches new iPhones in September, the exact timing and availability details for the iPhone 17e and 18 Pro remain provisional.
Confirmed and Probable Features for 2026 iPhones
- iPhone 18 Pro
- Rear camera plateau design similar to iPhone 17 Pro
- Possible subtle glass finish change below camera plateau
- Screen sizes near 6.3” (Pro) and 6.9” (Pro Max)
- Smaller Dynamic Island on front
- Unconfirmed under-display Face ID
- A20 chip on 2nm process
- Camera upgrades with variable aperture
- iPhone 17e
- Dynamic Island replacing the notch
- 60Hz refresh rate display
- A19 chip
- Early 2026 expected release
