Table of Contents
Introduction
Smartphone design changes every year, but Apple usually moves on a much longer timeline. Early supply-chain reports by MacRumors and analyst notes suggest Apple may be preparing major iPhone changes for 2026 and 2027. The next few iPhone generations could bring bigger design changes than we’ve seen in recent years. Apple’s upcoming hardware plans could represent a larger design shift than the company’s typical annual upgrades. Reports by MacRumors also point to a possible foldable iPhone and a redesigned anniversary model, although Apple has not officially confirmed either device.
iPhone 18 Pro Rumors: Face ID, Camera and Battery Upgrades
Some Apple users feel recent Pro models have offered smaller year-to-year upgrades. However, several analyst reports and supply-chain leaks suggest Apple may be preparing more noticeable hardware changes for future Pro models. The following architectural updates are the most important changes that will affect how the Pro lineup works in real life:
Under-Display Face ID
According to reports by AppleInsider and display industry sources, Apple may be testing under-display Face ID technology for its future Pro models in 2026. If these reports prove accurate, it could become the biggest front-design change since the iPhone X introduced the notch in 2017.
Under-display camera systems remain technically challenging because the display layer can affect image quality and sensor performance. Industry analysts generally expect Apple to focus on maintaining Face ID accuracy before adopting a new display design. Face ID relies on accurate infrared projection and depth mapping, and putting these parts under an OLED layer without losing signal quality is a challenging engineering task. If successful, Apple could reduce or significantly shrink the visible sensor area currently used by Dynamic Island.
- Expand usable display space without expanding device footprint.
- Improve UI flexibility (fewer layout constraints at the top of the screen).
- Support Apple’s long-term goal of a cleaner and less interrupted display design.
Such a design could help Apple differentiate its implementation from existing under-display camera solutions already available in the smartphone market.
How Variable Aperture Could Improve iPhone Photography
Reports by MacRumors suggest Apple may be testing a variable aperture system for future iPhone cameras, which could provide photographers with more control over how images are captured. This feature lets the lens change its opening, which lets the iPhone 18 Pro make natural optical “bokeh” (a blurred background). While computational photography would still play an important role, a variable aperture could allow the camera to rely more on optical effects in some shooting conditions.
A variable aperture camera can adjust to different lighting conditions more effectively than a fixed-aperture lens, potentially improving image quality in both bright and low-light environments.
A20 Pro Chip and Battery Improvements
According to Apple Newsroom, Apple may use TSMC’s upcoming 2nm manufacturing process for a future A-series chip. Analysts also expect efficiency and thermal improvements to remain a major focus, although Apple has not confirmed any specifications. If Apple improves both battery technology and chip efficiency, users could see longer battery life than current models. But in the real world, performance won’t be known until independent testing becomes available.
Rumored C2 Modem and Satellite Connectivity Features
According to reports by MacRumors, Apple may continue expanding its in-house modem strategy with a second-generation modem often referred to as the “C2” although the company has not confirmed any branding or specifications. If Apple further integrates its modem and A-series chip design, it could improve power efficiency and overall connectivity performance, although real-world results remain unknown. According to Apple, it’s about expanded satellite communication features in future iPhones. But Apple has not announced support for satellite-based mobile messaging beyond its existing emergency services.
Satellite communication allows a phone to connect directly to satellites when traditional cellular coverage is unavailable. Current iPhones primarily use this technology for emergency communication in supported regions.
iPhone Fold Rumors: What We Know About Project V68
Rumors about a foldable iPhone have circulated for years, but recent analyst reports suggest Apple may be moving closer to a commercial product often referred to as Project V68. If Apple releases a foldable iPhone, it would enter a market currently led by devices that combine smartphone portability with a larger tablet-like display. This could revolutionize how users interact with their devices by offering greater versatility and functionality. Most current reports point to a possible launch window between late 2026 and early 2027, although Apple has not announced any release plans.
Design and Display Size Leaks
According to CNET, Apple may prefer a book-style foldable design rather than a smaller clamshell format. Several reports suggest the unfolded display could be around 7.8 inches, giving users a larger workspace similar in size to a small tablet. If these specifications are accurate, the larger display could be useful for multitasking, reading, and media consumption.
Eliminating the ‘Display Crease’ with Self-Healing Technology
The visible hinge dip has always been the biggest problem for foldables. Reports about the iPhone 18 Pro roadmap say that Apple is using a dual-layer UTG (Ultra-Thin Glass) structure with a “self-healing” polymer cover to resolve the issue. This material is designed to passively fill in small scratches and other surface flaws, keeping a smooth, clear viewing surface that meets Apple’s high Retina standards.
Strategic Biometrics: The Return of Touch ID
The V68 may not follow the Face ID standard exactly, which is a smart engineering choice. Analysts say that to maintain the device’s rumoured ultra-thin 4.5mm profile (when unfolded), Apple will place a Touch ID sensor in the side power button. This implementation, which has already been perfected on the iPad Air, makes sure that authentication is quick no matter if the device is folded or unfolded.
Market Positioning and Premium Pricing
The iPhone Fold is expected to be the most expensive item on the iPhone 18 Pro roadmap in the 20th anniversary lineup, as it is the “Crown Jewel.” Entry-level models are expected to cost between $1,999 and $2,399 due to the high cost of specialised hinges and high-density flexible OLEDs in the supply chain. This means that the device is not meant to replace something that is already popular, but rather to be an ultra-premium option for “pro-level” early adopters.
The ‘iPhone 20’ (2027): The Death of the Physical Interface
2027 is the 20th anniversary of the device that changed the world, and Apple is expected to celebrate with the iPhone 20 (XX). This isn’t just a phone; it’s a statement about design. People say that the model will be the first iPhone without a port or a button. Apple is making a single, seamless slab of glass and titanium by replacing the physical volume and power buttons with solid-state haptic surfaces. This “unibody” design isn’t just for looks; it also makes the device more water-resistant (IP69) and gives it more room inside for a huge cooling system, which finally fixes the overheating problems that have plagued high-performance mobile gaming.
Buyer’s Guide: Should You Upgrade Now or Wait for 2027?
Consumers are in a unique situation because the upcoming hardware change is the most ambitious since the switch to the iPhone X. What you should do next depends on your user profile and how much you can handle first-generation technology.
The ‘Legacy Refinement’ Path
If you like the reliability of the old “slab” form factor, the iPhone 18 Pro (Late 2026) is the best choice. Because according to the reports, this model is basically the “final form” of the design language we have now. It has under-display Face ID, a huge 5,200 mAh battery, and a professional-grade variable-aperture camera. This is the best traditional smartphone ever made before the industry moves to foldables.
The ‘Bleeding-Edge’ Enthusiast
If you think the smartphone space is dead, the iPhone Fold (Project V68) and the 20th Anniversary iPhone 20 are the obvious targets. These are more than just small tweaks, with a “glass pebble” look and tablet productivity in a pocket-sized package. If you want a life-changing user experience, then skipping the 2025 cycle and saving up for the 2026/2027 flagships is the best thing to do.
The New Launch Reality: A Split Release Strategy
It is important to note that Apple reportedly plans to change how often it releases new products. According to current supply chain information, the “Split Release” strategy is in place. The high-end Pro and foldable models are expected to come out in fall 2026, while the standard iPhone 18 and the new “iPhone Air” may not come out until spring 2027.
Final Verdict
Apple is no longer going to do “yearly minor updates” and instead will focus on releases that set the standard for their category. The iPhone 17 will be a good phone, but the 2026–2027 roadmap shows that “buyer’s remorse” may hit harder than ever for people who don’t plan for the Fold and the Anniversary Edition to come out.
Disclaimer: This article is based on leaks, analyst reports, and industry speculation about upcoming Apple products. Final features, specifications, and release timelines may differ from official announcements.
Will the iPhone 18 Pro have an under-display Face ID?
Leaks hint that Apple is developing an under-display Face ID system for the iPhone 18 Pro, which could mean the end of the Dynamic Island. However, the information is yet to be officially confirmed, and the final design could still feature a small camera cutout.
What’s the release date for Apple’s foldable iPhone?
Most industry reports point to an Apple foldable iPhone that’s likely to be called Project V68 and could launch in late 2026 or early 2027. The iPhone maker is said to be waiting to improve durability and display quality before entering the market.
What will the iPhone Fold price be?
Initial estimates of the foldable iPhone price range from $1,999 to $2,399, which is a premium device. The bulk of the cost is due to the more complex hinge designs and the flexible OLED screen technology.
Should I wait for the iPhone 20?
If we believe the leaks, the iPhone 20 might arrive without ports and buttons and undergo major hardware changes. And for those who are willing to wait for a radically new experience, patience may pay off for users. Others may prefer the more refined iPhone 18 Pro.
What is Project V68?
Project V68 is supposedly Apple’s internal name for its foldable iPhone. It is expected to sport a book-like fold, a big tablet-like screen when unfolded, and a productivity and multitasking focus.