Even before the iPhone 17 series hits shelves, the rumor mill is already churning out exciting details about the iPhone 18 Pro. A new leak from a reputable source is painting a fascinating picture of Apple’s 2026 flagship. It hints at a significant design change, enhanced performance, and larger screens.
According to Digital Chat Station, a well-known leaker on Weibo with over three million followers, the iPhone 18 Pro models will retain a similar overall design to their iPhone 17 Pro predecessors. However, the key revelation is a new “slightly transparent design” for the Ceramic Shield panel on the rear of the device. While details are scarce, this suggests a potentially revolutionary new look for Apple’s Pro lineup.
The leak, reported by Joe Rossignol at MacRumors, also confirms that the iPhone 18 Pro will feature the same triangular, three-lens rear camera system design as the iPhone 17 Pro models. Furthermore, display sizes are expected to remain at a generous 6.3-inch for the iPhone 18 Pro. The iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a massive 6.9-inch display. These sizes were first introduced with the iPhone 16 series.
Performance and Cooling Upgrades
Under the hood, the iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to receive major upgrades. To handle powerful new components, the devices will be equipped with a sophisticated stainless steel vapor chamber cooling system. This technology is crucial for dissipating heat and maintaining peak performance during intensive tasks like gaming and video editing.
The most significant performance leap will likely come from the chipset. A report from Taiwan’s Commercial Times claims the iPhone 18 Pro models will be equipped with the new A20 Pro chip. This processor is expected to be fabricated on TSMC’s latest and most advanced 2nm process. It promises huge gains in efficiency and power. In a major shift, the devices are also tipped to feature Apple’s in-house “C2” modem. This will finally replace components from Qualcomm.
My Take: With this year’s iPhones still days from launch, it’s remarkable to see such detailed rumors about the iPhone 18 Pro. A transparent back, a 2nm chip, and a larger form factor suggest Apple is planning some of its most ambitious changes yet for the 2026 generation.
