iPhone 18 Pro to Drop Pill-Shaped Notch and Bring Variable Aperture Camera: Major Design Shift Expected

Apple is reportedly preparing for a major design overhaul in its upcoming iPhone 18 Pro, with one of the biggest changes being the possible removal of the iconic pill-shaped notch. This move, along with advanced camera upgrades and a revised launch schedule, could make the iPhone 18 Pro a major leap forward in Apple’s smartphone evolution.

 Say Goodbye to the Pill-Shaped Notch?

According to recent leaks, Apple may introduce under-display Face ID technology in the iPhone 18 Pro, eliminating the need for a visible notch. Instead, the phone will feature a small hole-punch camera, resulting in a cleaner, more immersive display.

While this upgrade was initially expected in the iPhone 17 Pro, reports now suggest it may debut with the iPhone 18 Pro. This under-display innovation would enhance both aesthetics and screen usability.

 Revolutionary Camera: Variable Aperture System

The iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to introduce a variable aperture camera system, allowing users to manually control light intake depending on the environment. This feature, already seen in some Android flagship phones, would be a first for Apple.

It will allow for improved low-light photography and more creative control over depth-of-field, making it a valuable addition for mobile photographers and videographers alike.

 A20 Pro Chipset with Advanced AI Capabilities

The upcoming iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature the all-new A20 Pro chipset, manufactured on TSMC’s 2nm process. This chip promises better performance, enhanced energy efficiency, and significant improvements in on-device AI.

The A20 Pro will likely integrate Apple’s next-gen Neural Engine and leverage CoWoS (Chip-on-Wafer-on-Substrate) packaging for optimized communication between memory and processors.

 Launch Timeline May Change

Apple may also change its traditional launch pattern. Reports suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max could be launched in September 2026, while the base models, such as the iPhone 18 and 18 Plus, might be pushed to Spring 2027.

This staggered release could allow Apple more time to focus on production and quality control while offering early adopters a taste of the future with the Pro models.

 Samsung Camera Sensor in Place of Sony

Another significant change in the iPhone 18 Pro might be the replacement of Sony’s traditional camera sensors with a new three-layer sensor designed by Samsung.

These sensors are expected to offer better dynamic range, lower image noise, and faster image processing, ultimately delivering clearer and more detailed photos.

 C2 Modem for Enhanced Connectivity

Apple could also introduce its second-generation custom modem – the C2 – in the iPhone 18 Pro. This modem will reportedly support mmWave 5G and be more energy-efficient compared to the current C1 modem found in devices like the iPhone 16e.

This means better 5G performance without compromising on battery life.

 Upgraded AI Performance

With the A20 Pro chip and CoWoS technology, Apple aims to deliver lightning-fast AI processing. Whether it's real-time image editing, voice recognition, or personalized recommendations, the iPhone 18 Pro could become one of the smartest smartphones Apple has ever created.

The iPhone 18 Pro is shaping up to be a revolutionary device — from design changes like the removal of the pill-shaped notch to major internal upgrades like a variable aperture camera and a 2nm A20 Pro chipset.

If these predictions come true, Apple could once again redefine what a premium smartphone should be. While official confirmation is still awaited, tech enthusiasts have every reason to be excited about what's coming in 2026.

 Disclaimer:

This article is based on speculative reports and industry rumors. Apple has not officially confirmed any of the mentioned features. Readers are advised to wait for Apple’s official announcements before drawing conclusions or making purchase decisions.