Leaker claims iPhone 18 models will look the same as the iPhone 17

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

According to a new leak, the iPhone 18 series will look largely the same as the currently available iPhone 17 models. Regular tipster Fixed Focus Digital posted on Weibo (per MacRumors) that due to the success of the iPhone 17, Apple won't alter the appearance of the iPhone 18.

Instead, the company will focus on promoting internal changes, such as the new A20 chipsets, which are expected to be the first 2nm Apple SoC. That's a massive upgrade that should make the iPhone 18 both more powerful and more efficient.

Last September, Apple introduced a major redesign of the rear camera array on the iPhone 17 Pro models. It marked a departure from the square layout that had lasted from at least the iPhone X.

Now, the iPhone has a plateau that goes nearly edge to edge, pushing the sensor and light to one right side of the phone while the trio of lenses stays in a triangle formation on the left.

The other major change we expect to see later this year is a lack of iPhones in September. Apple is rumored to only launch the Pro models and a new iPhone Fold later this year. The iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and maybe an iPhone Air 2 will be pushed to a spring launch in 2027.

What changes can we expect?

Apple C1 modem for iPhone 16e — (Image credit: Apple)

There may be at least one physical change with the iPhone 18, expected to feature a smaller Dynamic Island and a change to the Camera Control button that should make it easier to use.

Inside, the updated C2 modem should appear alongside the A20 chip.

On the camera front, the main rear camera could get a variable aperture, allowing you more control over how much light enters the lens. The front-facing camera should get a 24MP bump.

We'll learn more about the iPhone 18 design as 2026 rolls on, and we can expect a barrage of leaks to come out between now and the official announcement. In fact, we'll probably even get some reliable leaks that contradict this one, as that seems to be the way things develop.

Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.

More from Tom's Guide

TOPICS

Scott Younker is the West Coast Reporter at Tom’s Guide. He covers all the lastest tech news. He’s been involved in tech since 2011 at various outlets and is on an ongoing hunt to build the easiest to use home media system. When not writing about the latest devices, you are more than welcome to discuss board games or disc golf with him. He also handles all the Connections coverage on Tom's Guide and has been playing the addictive NYT game since it released.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

GET TG ACCESS QUICK

What changes can we expect?

More from Tom's Guide