Even as the iPhone 17 series makes its debut, tech enthusiasts are already buzzing about the future — specifically, the iPhone 18 lineup, slated for a late 2026 release. Recent leaks suggest that the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max might look quite similar to the current iPhone 17 Pro models. Interestingly, both new Pro handsets are expected to maintain the same display sizes seen since the iPhone 16 Pro series, with a major rumored change being a transparent rear panel for the iPhone 18 Pro models.
First Glimpse: What We Know About the iPhone 18 Pro’s Design
According to prolific tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the iPhone 18 Pro series is expected to feature an identical rear camera system to the iPhone 17 Pro models. This means the triple-camera sensor arrangement is likely to remain consistent.
Perhaps the most exciting design revelation is the rumored “slightly transparent design” for the back cover of the iPhone 18 Pro smartphones. This hints that Apple might be experimenting with subtle modifications to the rear glass, possibly revealing internal components such as the MagSafe charging coils, adding a unique aesthetic without a complete design overhaul.
The insider also mentioned that the iPhone 18 Pro models are slated to incorporate a robust stainless-steel vapor chamber cooling system, a key enhancement for performance. Display-wise, the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to maintain its 6.3-inch screen, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max will continue with a larger 6.9-inch display, matching the dimensions of their iPhone 17 Pro counterparts.
It’s important to remember that the iPhone 18 Pro series is still in its nascent development stages, so these details are based on early rumors and subject to change. Apple could still implement numerous hardware and design modifications before the final product is unveiled. Notably, earlier whispers had even suggested a potentially narrower Dynamic Island feature for the entire iPhone 18 lineup.
For context, Apple recently launched its iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max models at their ‘Awe Dropping’ event. These devices are now available in India and boast ProMotion displays, 18-megapixel front cameras, and advanced 48-megapixel rear camera systems. All models run on iOS 26, with the standard iPhone 17 featuring an A19 chipset, while the Pro models are powered by the more advanced A19 Pro chip.