iPhone 18 Pro Series Set for Major Camera and Connectivity Upgrades

Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are shaping up to be significant upgrades over their predecessors, according to a new research note from GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu. The devices, expected to launch in September, will bring several notable improvements across hardware and connectivity.

Smaller Dynamic Island with Under-Display Face ID

The most visible change will be a smaller Dynamic Island, achieved by moving the flood illuminator component of Face ID under the display. This design tweak should give the iPhone 18 Pro models a more compact notch area while maintaining the same biometric security features that users rely on.

Variable Aperture Main Camera

Perhaps the most intriguing camera upgrade is the introduction of variable aperture technology to the 48MP main camera. This feature will allow users to control depth of field and light intake more precisely, though some industry observers have questioned its utility on a wide-angle lens. As one reader noted in the comments: "Variable aperture on the main lens has to be the most useless addition to be made. There's no point in reducing the DoF and light intake of a very wide 23 mm lens even further."

A20 Pro Chip with 2nm Process

The iPhone 18 Pro will be powered by Apple's next-generation A20 Pro chip, manufactured using TSMC's first-generation 2nm process. This represents a significant leap in semiconductor technology, promising improved performance and power efficiency. The chip will also feature a new packaging design, though specific details remain under wraps.

Enhanced Wireless Capabilities

Apple is upgrading its wireless chipset with the N2 chip, succeeding the N1 found in the iPhone 17 family and iPhone Air. While exact improvements haven't been detailed, the N2 will handle Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support, likely delivering better wireless performance and power savings.

Apple's First In-House Modem in Pro Models

Perhaps the most significant connectivity upgrade is the inclusion of Apple's C2 modem in the Pro lineup. Until now, Apple's in-house modems have been limited to the iPhone 16e (C1) and iPhone Air (C1X). The C2 modem's arrival in the Pro series marks Apple's continued push toward reducing reliance on Qualcomm for cellular connectivity.

Launch Timeline and Pricing

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to debut alongside the rumored iPhone Fold in September. For comparison, current iPhone 17 models are priced from €791.86 for the 256GB variant, while the iPhone 17 Air starts at €825.00.

Industry Context

These upgrades reflect Apple's broader strategy of vertical integration and technological leadership. The move to 2nm processors and in-house modems demonstrates Apple's commitment to controlling more of its technology stack, while variable aperture cameras show continued innovation in mobile photography.

The iPhone 18 Pro series represents Apple's continued push to differentiate its premium offerings through cutting-edge technology and exclusive features, maintaining its position at the forefront of the smartphone market.