Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Pro may drop Dynamic Island, get battery and processor upgrades

Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro series, still months away from launch, is already generating attention due to a steady stream of leaks pointing to notable design and hardware upgrades. Recent reports suggest changes to the display layout, battery capacity and processing power, indicating a focus on improving performance and user experience.

Display

Multiple reports in recent weeks have indicated that Apple may move Face ID components under the display in the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. If implemented, the visible cutout could be reduced to a single hole positioned at the top left corner of the screen, replacing the centrally placed cutout seen on current models. This change could result in the removal of the Dynamic Island and allow for a less obstructed display, maximising the 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch screens on the two devices.

Battery

Battery upgrades are also expected. According to tipster Digital Chat Station, the iPhone 18 Pro Max sold in China could feature a 5,000mAh battery, while the global variant may include a slightly larger battery rated between 5,100mAh and 5,200mAh. This would mark an improvement over the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which is believed to have a 5,088mAh battery.

Processor

The most significant upgrade is expected to be the shift to Apple’s A20 Pro chip. The processor is tipped to be manufactured using TSMC’s 2nm process, which is expected to deliver a 15% increase in performance and a 30% improvement in energy efficiency.

Camera

The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is also rumoured to feature a mechanical variable aperture for the primary 48MP camera, allowing adjustments between f/1.4 and f/2.8 to improve light control in different shooting conditions.