While we're currently in the era of the iPhone 16 and still awaiting any official announcements regarding the iPhone 17 range, rumours about the iPhone 18 series are already causing a stir.

Tech enthusiasts and industry analysts are always looking ahead, and as decisions about smartphone components and manufacturing are made well in advance, some of these early leaks could prove accurate when the next generation of Apple iPhones is released.

Below, we've rounded up the top five rumours about the upcoming iPhone 18 series. Please note, some details may only apply to the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models.

A Variable Aperture Camera

Enjoy greater creative control with a variable aperture camera. This advanced camera technology lets you adjust the lens opening, allowing more or less light to reach the sensor. By changing the aperture, you can easily capture stunning photos in a range of lighting conditions and create beautiful background blur for professional-looking images. Whether you're shooting in bright sunlight or low light, a variable aperture camera helps you achieve sharp, vibrant photos every time.

The iPhone 18 series may introduce a variable aperture camera, giving users the ability to physically adjust how much light the camera sensor receives. This feature would allow for greater control over image brightness and depth of field, moving beyond the current iPhone approach, which relies on adjusting shutter speed and software processing to simulate aperture changes.

According to recent reports, Apple is preparing to source large quantities of variable aperture camera components for production in 2026. Currently, variable aperture technology can be found on select Android smartphones, such as the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design and the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Bringing this advanced camera feature to the iPhone 18 would build on Apple’s ongoing commitment to enhancing mobile photography, following innovations like the new camera control button in the iPhone 16 series.

A New Professional Camera Sensor

Experience next-level photography with the advanced professional camera sensor. Designed for exceptional image clarity and vibrant colour accuracy, this sensor captures stunning detail in every shot. Whether you're photographing in bright daylight or low-light conditions, the enhanced technology ensures sharp, high-quality photos with true-to-life colours. Elevate your photography with a camera sensor crafted for both enthusiasts and professionals seeking outstanding performance.

Another rumour about the iPhone 18 camera suggests that the two Pro models will feature a new main camera sensor.

According to a well-known source, Apple will use a new triple-layered Samsung sensor for the iPhone 18 Pro’s main camera, powered by PD-TR Logic technology.

Reports indicate that this advanced sensor will significantly improve the camera's response time, enhance dynamic range for better colour and detail, and reduce noise in photos, resulting in clearer and more vibrant images.

Under-Display Face ID

Experience seamless security with under-display Face ID technology. This innovative feature integrates facial recognition directly beneath your device’s screen, allowing for fast and secure authentication without visible sensors. Enjoy a sleek, uninterrupted display while keeping your personal information safe and easily accessible.

In May 2024, industry analyst Ross Young suggested that Apple could introduce under-display Face ID technology as early as 2026. Initially, this advanced Face ID system was expected to make its debut with the iPhone 17 range, but the timeline has since been revised.

Based on Apple’s usual release patterns, the iPhone 18 range is likely to launch in 2026, making it a strong contender for this new under-display Face ID feature. As is often the case with cutting-edge hardware upgrades, it’s possible that under-display Face ID will be exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models.

It remains unclear whether Apple will also move the front-facing camera beneath the display, or if only the infrared sensors required for Face ID will be hidden. Currently, only a handful of smartphones offer under-display cameras, with notable examples including the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.

Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available about Apple’s next-generation Face ID and display technologies.

3nm Chipsets

Experience the next generation of technology with 3nm chipsets. These advanced processors offer faster performance, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced capabilities for smartphones, laptops, and other smart devices. As the industry moves towards smaller and more powerful chips, 3nm technology sets a new benchmark for speed and battery life, enabling smoother multitasking and better overall device performance.

Ready to delve into the technical details? Recent reports suggest that the forthcoming A20 and A20 Pro chipsets, expected to power the iPhone 18 range, will likely utilise the advanced 3nm manufacturing process rather than moving to the newer 2nm technology currently under development.

So, what does this mean for you? Put simply, processors are constructed using minuscule transistors measured in nanometres—one nanometre is a billionth of a metre. As the size of these transistors decreases, more processing power can be packed into the same chip, resulting in improved performance and efficiency. While terms like '3nm' and '2nm' are commonly used for marketing purposes, progressing from 3nm to 2nm generally indicates a significant enhancement in performance.

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro were the first smartphones to feature a 3nm chipset. However, it appears that Apple is not in a hurry to adopt the 2nm process just yet, preferring instead to refine its 3nm technology for future devices.

LTPO+ Displays: Enhanced Performance for Modern Screens

LTPO+ displays build upon the advanced technology of LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) screens, offering even greater efficiency and versatility. These displays enable smoother adjustments to refresh rates, meaning your device can seamlessly switch between high and low refresh rates to suit your activity—whether you’re gaming, streaming, or simply reading. This not only provides a more responsive visual experience but also helps to extend battery life. LTPO+ displays represent the next step in display innovation, delivering vibrant visuals while maximising power efficiency for today’s smartphones and devices.

Recent leaks suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro series may feature advanced LTPO+ display panels. This new screen technology is expected to offer faster performance—potentially through a higher refresh rate or quicker response time—while also improving power efficiency.

However, there’s currently no indication that the standard iPhone 18 will include a high refresh rate LTPO display. That said, future models could address this, especially if the latest iPhone 17 rumours prove accurate.

Are you excited about the iPhone 18 series, or are you more interested in what the iPhone 17 might offer? Share your thoughts in the comments below.