Rumors indicate iPhone 18 lineup keeps current design intact
TLDR:
A leaker on Chinese social media platform Weibo has indicated that Apple plans no significant design alterations for the iPhone 18 series compared to the iPhone 17 lineup, citing robust sales figures for the current models, with the company instead set to highlight processor improvements in the A20 chip.
A tipster known as Fixed Focus Digital posted on Weibo that Apple would skip major exterior updates for the iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
The post attributed the decision to high demand for the iPhone 17 series, which debuted last year with a refreshed rear camera layout on Pro variants that shifted from a square module to a wider plateau spanning much of the device's back.
Fixed Focus Digital specified that the iPhone 18 models would resemble their predecessors closely, as Apple shifts emphasis to internal enhancements like the A20 and A20 Pro chips built on 2-nanometer process technology.
"The iPhone 17 series has a strong sales performance," the tipster wrote in the post, adding that "the likelihood of Apple making major alterations to the overall look of the iPhone 18 models is less likely."
Apple has historically maintained designs across multiple generations, such as the shared aesthetics of the iPhone 12 Pro through iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone X to iPhone 11 Pro.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are slated for release later in 2026, while the standard iPhone 18 could arrive in early 2027.
Minor tweaks may include a reduced Dynamic Island cutout on Pro models through under-display Face ID components, a revised Camera Control button for simpler operation, and camera upgrades like a variable aperture main sensor and 24MP front camera.
The lineup is expected to keep screen sizes at 6.27 inches for the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Pro, and 6.86 inches for the Pro Max, with 12GB RAM on Pro versions and triple 48MP rear cameras.
Pricing for the 18 series is projected to match the iPhone 17 models, which started at $799 for the base version and $999 for the Pro.
