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iPhone 17. | Image credit – Apple

Apple may have just launched the iPhone 17, but the spotlight is already shifting. The iPhone 18 is still a year away, yet the rumor mill is heating up fast – and the early whispers hint at some big surprises in the making.

From major design tweaks to whispers about Apple’s first foldable, the iPhone 18 could be shaping up to be one of the boldest updates in years. Here’s a look at what the next generation might bring, based on the early chatter.

Smaller Dynamic Island on the iPhone 18

One of the more believable leaks says Apple is shrinking the Dynamic Island in 2026. A new report points to a narrower pill cutout, meaning the Island will take up less screen real estate at the top. That’s possible thanks to slimmer components inside, though some say we might not see under-display Face ID or a hidden selfie camera just yet on this version.

Still, under-display Face ID could finally happen

Hole-punch design for Pro models

This is how the iPhone 18 Pro models might look like. | AI-generated image

A touch of transparency

Apple’s C2 modem in the works

Apple is reportedly prepping the C2 modem, the follow-up to the C1 that showed up in the iPhone 16e. This next-gen 5G chip could debut with the iPhone 18 lineup in 2026 and aims to fully cut ties with Qualcomm. Expect better mmWave support, carrier aggregation for faster downloads, and a focus on power efficiency.

Next-gen LTPO+ displays

The A20 chip jumps to 2nm

Behind the scenes, the biggest leap could be the A20 chip. While the A19 in the iPhone 17 series is built on a 3nm process, the A20 is rumored to jump to a 2nm process (N2). That could translate into about 15% more performance while using 30% less power – easily Apple’s boldest chip move yet.

Camera Control button changes

The new-ish Camera Control button is also said to be getting reworked. Instead of combining capacitive touch with pressure sensitivity, Apple may move to pressure-only detection. That would allow taps, presses, and swipes to be recognized without the extra capacitive layer, a setup similar to what Oppo has already tested on the Oppo Find X8 Ultra.

Base iPhone 18 might not launch with the rest

Apple’s first foldable iPhone

Concept image of a Foldable iPhone. | Image by AppleInsider.

And of course, the big one: the foldable iPhone. Some reports say it could arrive with the iPhone 18 Pro models in the fall, while others think it’ll land in spring 2027. Either way, it’s said to use a titanium hinge for durability, aim for a crease-free fold, and carry a starting price near $2,000.

Specs might include 12 GB of RAM, 256 GB of base storage, dual 48 MP rear cameras, and an under-display selfie snapper.

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iPhone 18: 10 big upgrades that could reshape the iPhone in 2026