(Image source from: India.com)
As Apple gets ready to show off its new iPhones this fall, early rumors about the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max suggest the main focus might not just be on making them faster. Instead, it seems three important design changes are planned, which together could alter how the Pro models look and feel when held. These include an improved back, a smaller Dynamic Island, and new color choices, indicating Apple is refining what was good this year and fixing what wasn't. One of the most discussed changes is on the back. While people liked the bright colors of the iPhone 17 Pro, particularly the Cosmic Orange, the two-color back design received mixed reactions. Not everyone liked the difference in color between the glass and the aluminum edge. Now, this might be changing.
According to the leaker Instant Digital on Weibo, "The iPhone 18 Pro series will have a new back glass that reduces the color difference between the glass and the aluminum back panel, creating a smooth, single look." This means Apple might get rid of the obvious color difference and instead offer a more consistent color, a feature many professional buyers often choose.
The next big design change is expected on the front. For a while, it's been unclear if Apple would get rid of the Dynamic Island and use a small hole for the camera instead. Some earlier reports suggested this might happen. But, newer information now says it won't. Instead of changing to a hole-punch camera, Apple is apparently making the Dynamic Island smaller. The new Dynamic Island is said to be about 35% smaller on both the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. This shrinking is thought to be possible because some parts of the Face ID system are being put under the screen. Not all parts will go under the screen, which is why the company isn't using a full hole-punch design yet. However, the screen sizes are expected to stay the same as the current Pro models.
A third important design feature might involve colors again. This year, Apple surprised many by offering more vibrant and fun colors for its Pro models. The positive reaction to Cosmic Orange seems to have encouraged them to keep doing this. Instant Digital says Apple has tried out three new colors: Coffee Brown, Purple, and Burgundy. However, not all of these might be released. Apple might pick one or two after checking them internally. People are also wondering if Apple will try another orange-like color due to how popular the current one is. Interestingly, the leaker doubts a black version will return next year, saying, "It seems there won't be a black one next year." If this is correct, it would be a big change from Apple's usual safe color choices.
Besides design, pricing is also being discussed. Even though memory costs are going up because supply is being sent to AI data centers, a report from GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu suggests the iPhone 18 Pro models might cost the same as the previous ones.
This allows them to get better prices on memory chips from companies like Samsung and SK Hynix. The company is also reportedly cutting costs on things like display screens and camera parts to make up for possibly higher RAM costs. If these rumors are true, the iPhone 18 Pro might not seem very different at first glance. However, a back panel that looks more like one piece, a much smaller Dynamic Island, and new color options could give it a subtly improved feel. As the release date in the fall gets closer, more details are emerging, and Apple fans will be paying close attention to see which of these design changes end up in the final product.
