Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 series may not bring any major visual changes, according to a new leak shared by a well-known tipster. While expectations were high for a refreshed design and under-display Face ID, the latest information suggests Apple is likely to retain the overall look introduced with the iPhone 17 lineup.
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September this year, while the standard iPhone 18 could arrive at a later date.
Tipster Claims Familiar Design Strategy
According to Fixed Focus Digital, a tipster on Weibo, the iPhone 18 lineup will not see significant design alterations. The post claims Apple is unlikely to make drastic changes due to the strong sales performance of the iPhone 17 series.
This strategy aligns with Apple’s past approach, where successful designs are often carried forward for another generation with incremental refinements rather than a complete overhaul.
Chipset Optimisation Takes Priority
Instead of focusing on external design updates, Apple is reportedly prioritising internal performance improvements for the iPhone 18 series. The new models are expected to be powered by the A20 and A20 Pro chipsets, which are widely believed to be Apple’s first 2nm processors.
If accurate, this would mark a major leap in efficiency and performance, potentially delivering better battery life, improved AI capabilities, and enhanced thermal management across the lineup.
What About Under-Display Face ID?
Earlier rumours suggested that Apple might introduce under-display Face ID technology with the iPhone 18 Pro models, resulting in a smaller Dynamic Island or a top-left hole-punch camera cutout. However, the latest leak casts doubt on whether these changes will materialise this year.
It’s worth noting that the iPhone 17 Pro models, launched last year, already featured a notable redesign — another reason Apple may choose to play it safe with the iPhone 18’s appearance.
Display Sizes and Pricing Expectations
Leaks indicate that the iPhone 18 Pro could feature a 6.27-inch display, while the standard iPhone 18 may use a similarly sized 6.27-inch panel. Pricing for the new lineup is expected to remain in line with the iPhone 17 series, making it an incremental upgrade rather than a premium redesign cycle.
Launch Timeline and What’s Next
Apple is rumoured to launch the iPhone 18 Pro models alongside the iPhone Fold in September, signaling a busy hardware event. The vanilla iPhone 18 may debut later, following Apple’s staggered release strategy.
While fans hoping for a bold new design may be disappointed, Apple’s focus on cutting-edge silicon could make the iPhone 18 series a performance-driven upgrade — setting the stage for bigger visual changes in future generations.
