Upcoming iPhone Models: Leaks and Rumors Detail Design, Specifications, and Pricing

Apple's Future Vision: Dissecting the iPhone 17e, iPhone 18, and iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max Series

Numerous reports and industry leaks provide details regarding Apple's upcoming iPhone models, including the iPhone 17e, iPhone 18, and iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max series. Information covers anticipated display technologies, potential design changes (particularly concerning the Dynamic Island and Face ID integration), performance enhancements, and pricing strategies, though some details remain conflicting across sources.

iPhone 17e Series

Reports suggest the iPhone 17e may launch in February, with some indications pointing to February 19, mirroring the iPhone 16e's release. Other projections suggest a launch in "early 2026" or "coming weeks," with mass production potentially commencing after CES 2026.

Conflicting information exists regarding the iPhone 17e's display and design.

Some sources, including leaker Digital Chat Station, suggest a transition to a Dynamic Island design, replacing the traditional notch, while maintaining a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate. Chinese manufacturer BOE is reportedly contracted to supply display panels for approximately 8 million units. Conversely, other reports indicate the iPhone 17e will retain its current design, featuring a notch and the same display as the iPhone 16e.

The iPhone 17e is anticipated to incorporate an A19 chip, which is also expected in the base iPhone 17 model. This A19 chip may feature a 4-core GPU, with some reports suggesting a potential performance reduction compared to a 5-core GPU. The device is rumored to include the C1 5G modem for cost efficiency, though some sources mention an upgraded C1X modem offering enhanced speeds. MagSafe wireless charging support and Apple's N1 network chip for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread connectivity are also anticipated.

The device is expected to retain a 12-megapixel front-facing camera, Face ID, and a 48-megapixel rear camera. Improvements in Apple's computational photography are anticipated to maintain or enhance image and video quality. Some reports indicate a single rear camera.

Multiple sources, including Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, suggest Apple aims to maintain the $599 entry-level price for the iPhone 17e, consistent with the iPhone 16e.

This strategy is attributed to Apple's supply chain efficiencies, which reportedly help offset rising industry costs for components like NAND flash and DRAM.

iPhone 18 Series (Standard Models)

The standard iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 models are anticipated for release around March 2027, potentially later than their Pro counterparts.

Leaker Digital Chat Station reports potential screen sizes of 6.27-inches for the iPhone 18 and 6.55-inches for the iPhone Air 2, both featuring LTPO 120Hz screens. Other reports suggest display sizes of 6.3-inches for the iPhone 18 and 6.5-inches for the iPhone Air 2. These models are generally expected to retain the standard Dynamic Island, unchanged from current implementations. The iPhone 18 display is projected to offer significantly increased brightness, with reports indicating that supplier BOE has faced challenges meeting Apple's stringent brightness requirements, leading to some orders being transferred to Samsung Display.

These models are expected to feature an A20 chip and a C2 modem.

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Series

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models are widely anticipated to be unveiled in September.

• Screen Sizes: Digital Chat Station reports screen sizes of 6.27-inches for the iPhone 18 Pro and 6.86-inches for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, both utilizing LTPO 120Hz display technology. Other reports from the same source suggest 6.3-inches for the Pro and 6.9-inches for the Pro Max, consistent with the iPhone 17 Pro series. LG and Samsung are reportedly collaborating on a new LTPO+ display panel for the iPhone 18 Pro. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is specifically expected to incorporate Samsung's LTPO Plus display technology, aiming for brighter visuals and improved energy efficiency.

• Dynamic Island and Face ID Integration: Reports regarding the Dynamic Island and Face ID integration have varied.

  Earlier reports, including those from The Information and Jon Prosser, suggested the iPhone 18 Pro would feature under-screen Face ID, with the front camera relocating to a single punch-hole in the top-left corner of the display, potentially leading to the elimination or relocation of the pill-shaped Dynamic Island.

  However, subsequent clarifications from leaker Instant Digital, corroborated by display analyst Ross Young and ShrimpApplePro, indicated that earlier reports might have been based on a mistranslation. These clarifying reports suggest the selfie camera will remain centrally located. The Dynamic Island is expected to be reduced in size by approximately 35%, from 20.76 mm to 13.49 mm. This reduction is anticipated to be achieved by placing only the infrared flood illuminator component of Face ID under the display, potentially in the top-left area. The dot projector, infrared camera, and the selfie camera are expected to remain visible within a smaller, centered, pill-shaped Dynamic Island. Ross Young's prior reports aligned with some Face ID components moving under the display while visible elements would persist, resulting in a smaller Dynamic Island.

  Apple's stated long-term objective involves integrating both the selfie camera and all Face ID components beneath the display to achieve an entirely uninterrupted screen. Face ID integration is considered technically easier than hiding the selfie camera due to Apple's commitment to photo quality, suggesting Face ID integration would occur first. However, a fully uninterrupted display without any visible cutouts is not anticipated for the iPhone 18 Pro models.

The iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to feature an A20 Pro chip, potentially built on a 2-nanometer architecture, designed for enhanced energy efficiency. Apple's C2 modem or a C-Series modem is also anticipated. Reports from Bloomberg suggest expanded satellite connectivity beyond Emergency SOS capabilities, potentially enabling navigation tools and photo transmission without reliance on cellular or Wi-Fi networks.

Apple is reportedly testing deep red, burgundy, brown, and purple color options for the iPhone 18 Pro models.

Industry analysts, including Jeff Pu of GF Securities and Ming-Chi Kuo, anticipate Apple will maintain the starting prices of the iPhone 18 Pro models at levels similar to the iPhone 17 Pro series ($1,099 for the Pro and $1,199 for the Pro Max).

This is despite projections of increased component costs for elements like the A20 Pro chip and memory components. Apple is reportedly negotiating favorable memory chip deals and exploring other cost-cutting measures for core components.

Apple's Long-Term Display Goals

Apple's stated long-term objective is to achieve an entirely uninterrupted iPhone screen by integrating both the selfie camera and all Face ID components beneath the display. Face ID integration is considered technically simpler than hiding the selfie camera due to Apple's emphasis on photo quality, indicating Face ID is expected to transition under the display first. The ultimate goal of an iPhone design without any physical cutouts on the screen is speculated for a 20th-anniversary iPhone, potentially launching in 2027.