iPhone 18 Pro Max, 18 Pro launch soon: Leaked details on India price, design, display, battery and more

Apple's next-generation iPhone launch is nearing, and the rumour mill has already revealed plenty about what the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could bring. If Apple follows its usual schedule, the new iPhones are expected to debut in September, with the Pro models likely taking centre stage this year. Reports suggest Apple could push the launch of the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e to early 2027, making the premium Pro models the main focus of the September event. The iPhone 18 Pro series is expected to receive upgrades in several key areas, including performance, battery life, cameras and connectivity. While the overall design may remain familiar, leaks indicate Apple is working on meaningful refinements rather than a complete redesign.

Smaller Dynamic Island, familiar design

According to multiple leaks, Apple is expected to retain the overall design language seen on recent Pro iPhones. The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is tipped to continue with a triple rear camera setup placed on a large camera platform, although the company could refine the finish between the frame and rear panel for a cleaner appearance.

The biggest visual change may be on the front. Apple is reportedly planning to reduce the size of the Dynamic Island, giving users slightly more screen space. Earlier rumours had suggested that Face ID components would move completely under the display, but recent reports claim that technology is still not ready.

Well-known tipster Ice Universe has claimed that the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 18 Pro models could be around 35 per cent narrower than the current version. CAD renders and prototype images that have surfaced online also point towards a smaller cutout.

Display sizes are unlikely to change. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature a 6.3-inch display, while the Pro Max could continue with a 6.9-inch panel. Apple is also tipped to switch to a more power-efficient LTPO+ display technology, which could help improve battery life.

Thicker body could mean a bigger battery

One of the more interesting leaks suggests that the iPhone 18 Pro Max may become slightly thicker than its predecessor. The device is rumoured to measure around 8.8mm thick, compared to 8.75mm on the previous generation.

That small increase in thickness may allow Apple to fit a larger battery. Leaks suggest the iPhone 18 Pro Max could house a battery between 5,100mAh and 5,200mAh, up from the reported 5,088mAh battery on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Combined with the expected efficiency gains from Apple's next chipset, battery life could once again be one of the biggest highlights of the Pro Max model. Battery details for the smaller iPhone 18 Pro are still unknown.

Camera upgrades?

Apple is also expected to improve the camera system this year. Reports suggest the company is testing a variable aperture system for the main camera, allowing users to adjust the amount of light entering the sensor. This could provide greater control over exposure as well as depth effects while taking photos.

The company is also rumoured to adopt a new three-layer stacked image sensor developed by Samsung. The upgraded sensor is said to improve image quality by reducing noise, increasing responsiveness and offering better dynamic range.

The telephoto camera may also receive an upgrade with a wider aperture for improved low-light photography. Some reports even suggest Apple is exploring teleconverter technology to improve zoom capabilities, although it remains unclear how the feature would be implemented.

A20 chip and Apple's new modem

Powering the iPhone 18 Pro lineup is expected to be Apple's new A20 chipset. According to leaks, the processor will be manufactured using TSMC's advanced 2nm process, which could deliver up to 15 per cent better performance while improving power efficiency by around 30 per cent compared to the previous generation.

Apple is also said to be introducing a new chip packaging technology called WMCM, which integrates RAM more closely with the processor. This could improve Apple Intelligence performance, increase efficiency and create additional internal space for other components.

Connectivity could also receive an upgrade through Apple's new C2 modem. The modem is expected to add support for mmWave 5G while improving satellite communication features. Reports claim Apple may eventually allow internet access via satellite in areas without mobile coverage and could even open satellite connectivity to third-party apps in the future.

New colour options tipped

Leaks also suggest Apple could introduce a fresh dark cherry colour for the iPhone 18 Pro series. The finish is described as a deep red with subtle purple tones. Other rumoured colours include light blue, dark grey and silver, although Apple could still make changes before the phones enter production.

India price: Buyers may have to pay more this year

While Apple has not revealed official pricing, analysts believe the iPhone 18 Pro lineup could become more expensive than the current generation.

IDC India Vice President Navkendar Singh told India Today Tech that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could see a price increase of around $100 to $150 (roughly Rs 9,500 to Rs 14,200) over the launch prices of the iPhone 17 Pro models.

"There will possibly be a $100-$150 (approximately Rs 9,500 to Rs 14,200) increase in iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max pricing versus iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max launch prices. The memory situation will impact the launch prices of the 18 Pro and Pro Max."

If that estimate proves accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro could launch above the iPhone 17 Pro's starting price of Rs 1,34,900, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max may cost well beyond Rs 1,49,900 in India.

Counterpoint Research Director Tarun Pathak told us Apple is facing increasing pressure from rising memory prices and the weakening rupee against the US dollar.

"Since memory prices have increased 4x over the past three quarters and falling rupee against dollar, it is highly unlikely that any brand can absorb those costs; therefore, there is a high probability that this will be reflected in the pricing of the Apple iPhone 18 series."

However, Pathak also believes Apple may try to keep the entry-level Pro model competitive while charging more for higher storage variants.

"We anticipate a smaller price hike for the base model iPhone 18 Pro to maintain competitiveness, with the company likely pushing for larger price increases through higher-tier storage configurations across different portfolio."

Apple is expected to officially unveil the iPhone 18 Pro series during the first half of September. The company has a track record of announcing the launch dates at the end of August or just after that. So, we are not that far from the next iPhone launch event. Until then, most of these details remain based on leaks and analyst expectations, but they offer an early glimpse of what could be Apple's biggest iPhone upgrade of the year. You can stay tuned to India Today Tech for more such updates on the iPhones 18 series.