iPhone 18 series could feature serious camera upgrades

The excitement around the next big release in Apple’s iconic phone lineup is already building.

Although the iPhone 18 series is still far away, rumours and early insights from reliable industry analysts like Mark Gurman and Ming-Chi Kuo have given us a glimpse of what to expect.

Here’s everything we know so far about the iPhone 18 series, including its release date, pricing, and specifications.

When will the iPhone 18 be released?

Based on Apple’s well-established release schedule, the iPhone 18 series is expected to debut in September 2026.

Here’s a look at the release dates of recent iPhones: 

• iPhone 16: 9 September 2024
• iPhone 15: 12 September 2023 
• iPhone 14: 7 September 2022 
• iPhone 13: 14 September 2021 
• iPhone 12: 13 October 2020 (delayed due to Covid) 

Apple has consistently launched its flagship devices in the early autumn, making this timeframe a reliable prediction.

While there are no official announcements, industry insiders suggest that both the standard iPhone 18 and the Pro models will follow this timeline.

How much will the iPhone 18 cost?

We still don’t know the official prices of the iPhone 17 series, so it’s difficult to determine how much the iPhone 18 series might cost.

We expect, however, that the prices may be similar to those rumoured for this year’s iPhones. According to leaker Ice Universe on Weibo, the speculated pricing of the iPhone 17 series is as follows:

• iPhone 17: £799/$799
• iPhone 17 Pro: £1,099/$1,099
• iPhone 17 Pro Max: £1,199/$1,199
• iPhone 17 Air: £1,299/$1,299

What specs and features will the iPhone 18 have?

Though the iPhone 18 series is still in development, several rumours and leaks provide insight into its expected features.

Design

Apple is likely to stick with its sleek, modern aesthetic, but we may see incremental refinements. The ultra-thin designs expected for the iPhone 17 series could carry forward into the iPhone 18 lineup.

Materials and build quality are expected to improve, possibly including more durable ceramic and titanium elements.

Display

Apple has continually enhanced its display technology, and the iPhone 18 series will likely follow suit.

Reports don’t detail specific display sizes or resolutions, but advancements in ProMotion technology and higher peak brightness are anticipated.

Connor Jewiss / Foundry

The Pro models could feature an even smoother 120Hz refresh rate and energy-efficient OLED panels.

Performance

One of the most exciting aspects of the iPhone 18 series is the introduction of Apple’s second-generation 5G modem.

According to Mark Gurman, this modem will support ultra-fast mmWave 5G with theoretical download speeds of up to 6Gbps, significantly outpacing the first-generation modem expected to debut in the iPhone 16E/SE 4.

Over time, Apple may even integrate the modem directly into its A-series chips for improved efficiency and performance.

Chris Martin / Foundry

The iPhone 18 lineup will likely feature Apple’s A20 chip, offering enhanced processing power, AI capabilities and energy efficiency.

However, only the Pro and Pro Max variants are expected to get the more powerful A20 Pro.

Cameras

Apple’s cameras are a standout feature, and the iPhone 18 Pro models are rumoured to introduce variable aperture technology to the main camera.

Ming-Chi Kuo reports that this feature will allow users to control how much light enters the lens, enabling superior control over depth of field and enhancing low-light photography.

Additionally, Kuo also reports that Samsung is expected to supply advanced 48Mp ultrawide sensors for the iPhone 18 series. These sensors will reportedly reduce noise, improve dynamic range, and offer better overall image quality.

Connor Jewiss / Foundry

According to DigiTimes, Samsung is reportedly working on a new three-layer stacked camera sensor called ‘PD-TR-Logic,’ designed for the iPhone 18 series.

This image sensor is expected to enhance the camera’s responsiveness, while also offering advantages such as reduced photo noise, improved dynamic range, and more.

While the Pro models are likely to receive the most significant upgrades, the standard iPhone 18 may also benefit from some of this new technology.

Battery & Charging

Details about battery capacity and charging speeds for the iPhone 18 series remain sparse.

However, Apple’s commitment to improving battery life and charging efficiency suggests incremental enhancements.

Chris Martin / Foundry

With growing competition in the fast-charging space, the iPhone 18 series could support faster wired and MagSafe charging capabilities.

Software

The iPhone 18 series will undoubtedly run on iOS 20, offering new features and capabilities tailored to the hardware.

Apple typically introduces innovations in usability, security and AI with every new iOS version, and we can expect the iPhone 18 series to showcase these improvements.

Connor Jewiss / Foundry

That’s all we currently know about the iPhone 18 series. In the meantime, be sure to check out what to expect from the iPhone 17 series, as well as what the best iPhones you can buy right now.