iPhone 18 latest leaks: punch-hole display, sleek design and major camera upgrades

Apple’s next iPhone, the iPhone 18, is shaping up to be more than a routine yearly upgrade. Following the massive success of the iPhone 17 series, which helped Apple reclaim the top spot as the world’s leading phone maker, latest leaks suggest the iPhone 18 could be a game-changer in several areas.

A new look with hidden sensors

One of the biggest changes could be in the display. Apple first introduced the notch and later the Dynamic Island to integrate the front camera and Face ID sensors, but the iPhone 18 may be the first to move these components under the screen. This would give the phone a clean punch-hole display, bringing it closer to the fully cutout-free design Apple reportedly plans for the 20th anniversary iPhone Pro in 2027.

Camera upgrades for photography enthusiasts

The iPhone 18 is also expected to bring a variable aperture for its main camera. This would let users adjust how much light reaches the sensor, improving low-light shots and giving photographers more control over their images. Unlike some competing models, which only offer fixed apertures, Apple’s implementation could be a significant leap for mobile photography.

Streamlined design and new materials

Design improvements are also on the way. While the iPhone 17 Pro featured an aluminium chassis with a visible glass section at the rear, the iPhone 18 Pro is said to offer a more uniform look, reducing the colour contrast between materials. This change could make the phone appear sleeker and more refined across all colour options.

Powerful new A20 chip

Under the hood, the iPhone 18 series will reportedly use Apple’s new A20 chips, produced with a 2 nm process by TSMC. This is a step up from the A19 Pro’s 3 nm chips, promising better battery life, higher performance, and improved heat management. The A20 Pro will power the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, and could also feature in Apple’s rumoured foldable model.

Enhanced software and AI

Apple is also making strides in software. After struggling with quality control over the last two years, the company is teaming up with Google to improve its Apple Intelligence AI suite. By the time the iPhone 18 launches, the AI features are expected to be more stable and competitive with Samsung and Google devices. Some of these features could be exclusive to the new models, making the iPhone 18 especially appealing to AI enthusiasts.

With these upgrades, the iPhone 18 may offer enough to tempt even loyal iPhone users to wait for the next release. From a cleaner display and advanced camera controls to a more powerful chip and smarter software, Apple appears ready to make its next iPhone a standout.