Khaberni - Although the iPhone 17 Pro has only been on the market for a few months, the early leaks have begun to sketch out the future generation of Apple's flagship phones, amid expectations that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will see significant leaps that will affect the camera, the front interface, and connectivity options, along with the processor.
Tech reports indicate that Apple still plans its usual annual launch in the fall, with updates that could be among the broadest in the "Pro" series in recent years, according to the "Thomas Guide" site.
A more flexible camera with a variable aperture
One of the most anticipated upgrades is the introduction of a variable aperture for the main camera, a move that gives users more control over the photography process and closes in on the style of professional cameras. According to leaks, this feature might be exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Current iPhone models rely on a fixed aperture of f/1.78 with a 48-megapixel sensor, while the variable aperture allows control over the amount of light and depth of field, whether by reducing light for long exposure shots during the day or opening the aperture more to clearly isolate the background when shooting close-up objects.
Observers believe that this development will coincide with software updates that might open the way for a manual shooting mode giving the user broader control over camera settings.
New colors for the high-end phones
After years of sticking with subdued colors, Apple has gradually begun to expand the color options for its "Pro" phones, a trend that may continue with the iPhone 18 Pro. Reports indicate that the company is testing new colors such as burgundy, purple, and dark brown.
Though not confirmed as final choices, this move reflects a shift in Apple's strategy, which has traditionally reserved bold colors for the standard models while maintaining a conservative color palette for the "Pro" models.
A smoother front interface with Face ID beneath the screen
Regarding design, according to the leaks, Apple is moving the technical components of Face ID beneath the screen, which reduces the size of the front notch that has characterized iPhones in recent years.
The front appearance may be limited to a small hole dedicated to the selfie camera, potentially shifting its position to the upper left corner. Despite the controversy over this option, reducing the notch space is a step towards a smoother, more visually consistent screen.
Emergency internet via satellites with 5G technology
Following the introduction of emergency satellite features, Apple may expand this direction by supporting 5G satellite internet connections in iPhone 18 Pro.
According to specialist reports, the company aims to enable direct internet connectivity via satellites instead of terrestrial towers, despite significant technical challenges, as there are currently no services that can provide direct satellite internet to smartphones.
Apple is currently collaborating with "Global Star" for emergency services, but providing full internet connectivity might require more advanced partnerships and technologies.
A20 Pro processor with 2-nanometer technology and a leap in efficiency
In terms of performance, the iPhone 18 Pro phones are expected to adopt the A20 Pro processor, manufactured with 2-nanometer technology, an Apple first. This processor is expected to deliver a noticeable improvement in speed and energy efficiency compared to the current A19 Pro processor built with 3-nanometer technology.
Moving to a smaller manufacturing precision accommodates more transistors, reflecting higher performance, particularly in graphics, amidst increasing competition with recent Snapdragon processors in top Android phones.
Artificial intelligence in the spotlight
Despite the significance of the hardware improvements, observers believe Apple's biggest bet remains on software and artificial intelligence, especially after Apple Intelligence features appeared less prominent compared to competitors like Pixel phones, which have made clear advances in image processing relying on artificial intelligence.
As the launch approaches, the question remains open about Apple's ability to offer a comprehensive experience that combines hardware developments and a real leap in software, thereby strengthening its position in the rapidly advancing smartphone race.
