Igeekphone News, November 7th: Today, Weibo blogger @Digital Chat Station shared the latest development progress of Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro series engineering models that he knows.
Based on previous information, Apple plans to bring some different changes to the iPhone 18 series next year. Besides the first foldable iPhone, it will also adjust the screen form of the regular iPhone 18 Pro series.
@Digital Chat Station reports that Apple is testing a special HIAA punch hole solution, which seems to be a more miniaturized design. The main camera of iPhone 18 Pro is currently testing the variable aperture solution. Of course, these are already well-worn topics. The probability of their implementation next year is higher than that of other plans currently under testing.
He also mentioned that the iPhone 18 Pro series continues the current horizontal long strip Deco unchanged, and attempts to incorporate a transparent design on the back cover. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to introduce a battery design with a stainless steel casing for the first time.
Compared with traditional plastic batteries, steel shell batteries are more impact-resistant and can conduct heat more effectively. Meanwhile, their rigid shells help maintain the stability of the internal structure. Although steel shell batteries have advantages in terms of safety, heat dissipation and lifespan, they will also increase the weight of the mobile phone.
Igeekphone noticed that the South Korean media ET News also stated last month that Apple plans to introduce a variable aperture lens for the first time in the iPhone 18 Pro series to be released next year. It can flexibly adjust the real depth of field according to the shooting environment to achieve more diverse photo styles.
@Digital Chat Station also mentioned that the iPhone 18 Air for next year is currently in a normal iteration state. The engineering model adopts a 6.5-inch high refresh rate medium screen + 3D face + horizontal Deco design. It is also defined as ultra-thin and light, and is considering adding a 48Mp main camera or a 48Mp ultra-wide-angle lens.
According to the previously obtained supply chain information, four new models of Apple, namely iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro/Max and the brand-new foldable iPhone, will be released in the autumn of next year, but the digital standard version will not be released until the first half of 2027.