Apple iPhone 18 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro: 5 upgrades to expect
Follow UsThe iPhone 18 Pro is expected to replace the A19 Pro chip with Apple's yet-to-be announced A20 Pro processor.
Reports suggest the new chip may deliver 10 to 15 percent better performance.
The Dynamic Island on the iPhone 18 Pro may shrink by around 25 to 35 per cent.
Apple is expected to change its iPhone launch strategy this year. Instead of unveiling the entire iPhone 18 lineup together, reports suggest the company may introduce the iPhone 18 Pro models in September, and delay the standard iPhone 18 until next year. Apple is also rumoured to debut its first foldable iPhone, alongside the Pro models, which could be branded as the iPhone Ultra. The iPhone 18 Pro is rumoured to bring several notable upgrades over the iPhone 17 Pro. Here are five upgrades expected in the iPhone 18 Pro.
Survey1. A20 Pro 2nm chip could be the biggest upgrade
The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to replace the A19 Pro chip with Apple’s yet-to-be announced A20 Pro processor. This could be built on a 2nm process. Reports suggest the new chip may deliver 10 to 15 percent better performance. It could also improve power efficiency by up to 30 percent. The new processor is also expected to improve on-device Apple Intelligence features. AI tasks may run faster without relying heavily on cloud servers.
Also read: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold: 5 expected differences
2. Variable aperture camera may offer DSLR-style control
Apple may introduce a mechanical variable aperture camera on the iPhone 18 Pro. Unlike the fixed aperture camera on the iPhone 17 Pro, this system can adjust the lens opening based on lighting conditions. A wider aperture can let in more light for brighter low-light photos. A smaller aperture can help prevent overexposed shots in bright sunlight. The new camera may also produce more natural background blur. This can make portrait photos look better.
Video recording is also expected to improve. The camera may create more natural cinematic motion blur by controlling exposure through the lens instead of using digital effects or external ND filters.
3. Dynamic Island expected to become smaller
The Dynamic Island on the iPhone 18 Pro may shrink by around 25 to 35 per cent. Leaks suggest its width could drop to about 13.49mm from 20.76mm on the iPhone 17 Pro. Apple is expected to move part of the Face ID system under the display. The phone may also feature an upgraded LTPO+ technology. It could offer smoother refresh rate adjustments while improving battery efficiency.
Also read: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs Apple iPhone Ultra: 7 big differences to expect
4. Apple’s C2 modem
The iPhone 18 Pro is also expected to feature Apple’s in-house C2 modem. The new modem may work more closely with the A20 Pro chip and could improve power efficiency and network performance. Reports suggest users may get faster 5G reconnections and better mmWave support. Mobile data could also use less battery power. The modem is also rumoured to include a privacy feature that may reduce how accurately carriers can track a user’s location.
5. Bigger battery
Apple may finally increase the battery size of the iPhone 18 Pro. The phone is expected to pack a 4,288mAh battery. This is slightly larger than the reported 4,252mAh battery in the iPhone 17 Pro. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is also expected to get a larger battery. Reports suggest it could feature a battery between 5,100mAh and 5,200mAh. If true, it would be the biggest battery ever used in an iPhone.
