After making several design tweaks to its models in 2025, Apple apparently isn’t stopping there. According to new leaks from China, the company is preparing a significant visual overhaul for the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, expected to launch in 2026.
An evolution inspired by the competition
The year 2025 marked a turning point in smartphone design. Samsung refined its devices with the Galaxy S25 Edge, while Google was perfecting the look of its Pixel lineup. Over in Cupertino, the iPhone 17 Pro had already introduced several ergonomic changes, including a new Camera Control button, a more compact camera module, and a finish combining glass and aluminum.
But according to the well-known leaker Digital Chat Station, those adjustments were only the beginning.
A partially transparent iPhone?
According to information shared on Weibo, Apple is reportedly considering a partially transparent casing for its next Pro models. It’s a bold idea that would echo the style of Nothing’s smartphones while maintaining Apple’s clean and minimalist design. The camera module, however, would remain similar to that of the iPhone 17 Pro.
Another expected change is a more discreet Dynamic Island. This smaller dual cutout would rely on new display technology and possibly an under-screen Face ID system. The same innovation could also benefit the upcoming iPhone Fold, which is expected to launch the same year.
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New technologies in the works
The leaker also confirms several rumors previously mentioned in a JP Morgan report. Apple is said to be testing a variable focal length camera lens for its high-end models, a technology popularized by Huawei. Finally, the company is reportedly experimenting with a battery reinforced by a stainless steel casing, designed to improve the device’s durability and thermal safety.
A bolder design for a new era
If these reports prove true, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max could represent an aesthetic shift after several years of continuity. With transparency, hardware innovations, and deeper sensor integration, Apple appears ready once again to redefine the standards of mobile design.
