iPhone 18 leaks: Pro Max battery boost, Air 2 camera upgrade and foldable debut details emerge

Dark Cherry finish could add colour to Pro lineup

Apple may expand beyond its typical palette of neutral tones. The iPhone 18 Pro range is widely expected to include a Dark Cherry finish alongside Light Blue, Silver and Dark Gray options. Dummy models reportedly displaying these colours have surfaced, suggesting the Pro lineup could finally offer a more distinctive aesthetic.

Variable aperture camera marks departure from fixed lens approach

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to introduce a variable aperture on their 48-megapixel Main cameras. This would be Apple's first implementation of the technology, which allows the lens to adjust light intake dynamically. From the iPhone 14 Pro through the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple has used a fixed ƒ/1.78 aperture.

Variable aperture systems are not new to smartphones. Samsung's Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S10, Huawei's Mate 50 Pro, and Xiaomi's 14 Ultra have all featured the technology, with the Xiaomi model offering aperture control ranging from f/1.42 to f/4.0. For photographers, variable aperture provides greater flexibility in bright conditions, better exposure control, and potentially improved depth-of-field management.

Supply chain reports indicate that Chinese supplier Sunny Optical has begun producing actuators for the system, while LG Innotek is preparing for mass production around June or July 2026 at its facility in Gumi, South Korea. If accurate, this suggests Apple's variable aperture camera may indeed reach production devices.

RAM increase tied to Apple Intelligence expansion

Reports diverge on whether the standard iPhone 18 will include 9GB or 12GB of RAM, but most agree the figure will exceed the iPhone 17's 8GB. The additional memory is reportedly linked to Apple's expanding on-device Apple Intelligence features expected with iOS 27.

Pro Max battery capacity could reach new high

Leaked battery specifications suggest the iPhone 18 Pro Max could feature a cell reaching approximately 5,567mAh in some markets outside China. Another report has claimed capacity could reach 5,200mAh, up from the reported 5,088mAh battery in the previous generation.

The larger battery may come with a slightly larger chassis. One report suggests the device could measure around 0.25mm thicker and weigh 7 grams more. However, the more efficient 2nm A20 Pro chip and LTPO+ display technology could help convert that extra size into improved battery performance.

The A20 Pro chip, built using TSMC's 2nm process technology, is expected to deliver 10-15% higher performance at the same power consumption, or 25-30% lower power consumption at the same performance level compared to the 3nm N3E process, along with a 15% or greater increase in transistor density. Meanwhile, LTPO display technology enables dynamic refresh rate adjustment and can provide 10-20% improved power efficiency by lowering refresh rates for static content and increasing them for fast-paced material. Apple first introduced LTPO displays in the Apple Watch Series 4 in 2018, and the technology has been standard in iPhone Pro models since the iPhone 13 Pro.

Dynamic Island reduction remains uncertain

Multiple leaks have pointed to a narrower Dynamic Island on the iPhone 18 Pro, with alleged prototypes, screen protectors and CAD images suggesting the cutout could shrink by approximately 35% compared to the current version. However, conflicting reports indicate Apple may have tested multiple designs or postponed the change due to challenges in miniaturising Face ID components. For now, the Dynamic Island's future dimensions remain speculative.

Camera bump thickness expected to increase

The iPhone 18 Pro Max's camera housing could reportedly grow from around 11.23mm to 11.54mm. The smaller iPhone 18 Pro may also see a thicker camera module, though precise measurements have not emerged.

iPhone Air 2 may gain Ultra Wide lens

The first-generation iPhone Air launched with a single Main camera. Its successor could reportedly add an Ultra Wide lens, providing greater photographic versatility. The overall design is expected to remain largely unchanged. One leak has also suggested the iPhone Air 2 could feature a 3,500mAh battery, approximately 11% larger than the current model, with efficiency gains from the 2nm A20 chip potentially extending battery life further.

Apple's C2 modem and satellite connectivity plans

Apple's foldable iPhone and at least some international versions of the iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to use Apple's second-generation C2 modem. The modem is anticipated to support the NR-NTN (New Radio Non-Terrestrial Networks) standard, which integrates 5G capabilities into satellite connectivity. This would allow devices to connect directly to low-Earth orbit satellites for internet access, a significant expansion beyond current capabilities.

Apple's existing satellite features on iPhone 14 models and newer are limited to Emergency SOS, the Find My app, the Messages app, and roadside assistance, all requiring a clear view of the sky for direct satellite communication. The C2 modem could enable broader data transmission through satellites, though if it does not support mmWave, Apple may continue using Qualcomm technology for the US market.

Foldable iPhone takes shape with book-style design

Apple's first foldable iPhone is consistently rumoured to feature a book-style design with an approximately 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner screen. The 4:3 aspect ratio could make the unfolded device resemble a small iPad. Pricing speculation suggests the foldable may exceed $2,000.

Samsung Display has reportedly secured a three-year exclusive deal to supply the foldable OLED panels and is preparing around 11 million units for Apple. The foldable is also expected to be eSIM-only, though physical SIM trays are likely to remain available in markets including China and Hong Kong for other iPhone 18 models.

Near-invisible crease target for foldable display

Apple is reportedly working to make the foldable's inner screen crease extremely difficult to detect, with one claim putting the crease depth at less than 0.15mm. Achieving a completely crease-free display may prove ambitious, but Apple appears focused on minimising visibility.

Samsung is currently on its seventh generation of foldable devices as of 2026, giving Android manufacturers considerable experience with foldable technology, hinges and crease reduction. Apple's entry into the category comes after competitors have spent years refining their approaches, potentially allowing Apple to learn from existing implementations while facing high expectations for its first attempt.