LTPO Plus displays, more RAM on base models, new colours, and a phased launch
iPhone 18 Leaks Point to Major Display and Performance Upgrades
Rumours around Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 series are gaining pace, even though the official launch is still some time away. Recent leaks suggest Apple is planning noticeable upgrades across the lineup. While the iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to receive a major display improvement, the standard iPhone 18 could get a significant RAM boost, narrowing the gap between regular and Pro variants.
iPhone 18 Pro may come with LTPO Plus display
Reports from South Korea’s ET News claim that Apple may introduce LTPO Plus AMOLED panels on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. These displays are expected to be more power-efficient than the LTPO screens used on the iPhone 17 Pro series. LTPO technology allows the display to dynamically adjust refresh rates, going as low as 1Hz during static content to save battery, while the upgraded version is said to improve efficiency even further.
Design changes may include under-display Face ID
Earlier leaks suggest Apple could move away from the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 18 Pro models. Instead, the devices may feature a punch-hole cutout placed at the top-left of the screen, with Face ID sensors hidden under the display. This design shift is believed to be an early step toward Apple’s long-rumoured bezel-less iPhone. The standard iPhone 18 and the upcoming iPhone Air are expected to retain the Dynamic Island.
Base iPhone 18 could get higher RAM
Apple does not officially disclose RAM specifications, but regulatory listings indicate that the base iPhone 17 featured 8GB of RAM, while Pro models offered 12GB. New leaks suggest the standard iPhone 18 may also be upgraded to 12GB of RAM. Combined with the upcoming A20 chipset, this could deliver better multitasking performance and improved support for AI-based features.
More upgrades expected across the iPhone 18 lineup
The iPhone 18 Pro models are also expected to launch in new colour options. After the Cosmic Orange finish on the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple is reportedly testing shades like Purple and Burgundy. Design changes may include a more uniform rear panel, replacing the two-tone finish seen on previous models.
On the hardware side, the base iPhone 18 is expected to run on the A20 processor, while the Pro models may be powered by the A20 Pro chipset. This chip is rumoured to be built on a 2nm manufacturing process, offering improved performance and better power efficiency.
Expected launch timeline and pricing
Apple is reportedly planning a phased launch for the iPhone 18 series. The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a new foldable iPhone may launch in September 2026. The standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and the next-generation iPhone Air could follow in early 2027.
Pricing is expected to remain similar to the iPhone 17 lineup. For reference, the iPhone 17 launched in India at ₹82,900, while the iPhone Air was priced at ₹1,19,900. The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max debuted at ₹1,34,900 and ₹1,49,900, respectively.