The iPhone 18 Pro is coming in September in less than two months, and July 2026 leaks from Bloomberg , MacRumors , and Asian sources show 10 major features that will change your iPhone : from the new 2-nanometer A20 Pro chip and 12GB of RAM , to the variable aperture camera , 5G satellite internet support , and a striking new deep red color. Below, we analyze what really stands out, what it means for the user in Greece, and which upgrades are worth the cost of the upgrade.
See also: iPhone 18 Pro Max: Date, Price Greece, Cherry Red Colors & Specs
1. A20 Pro chip at 2 nanometers: +15% speed, +30% performance
The new A20 Pro chip is built on TSMC’s groundbreaking 2-nanometer process , replacing the A19’s 3-nanometer process. This translates to about a 15% speed increase over the iPhone 17 series, as well as 30% better power efficiency . In addition, Apple is incorporating Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) technology , consolidating RAM with the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine on the same wafer to minimize latency and power consumption.
2. 12GB RAM for full Apple Intelligence on mobile
Both top-of-the-line Pro models are expected to have 12GB of RAM, up from 8GB in the iPhone 17 Pro. This is a critical requirement for on-device Apple Intelligence features to fully function, allowing large AI models to run locally without the need to connect to Apple's cloud servers. In practice, the user will see faster Siri responses, faster text summarization, and real-time photo editing.
3. Variable aperture camera — first time on an iPhone
The 48MP Fusion main camera will feature naturally moving variable aperture blades (f/1.4 to f/2.8). This feature, familiar from professional DSLR cameras, gives the user manual control over depth of field and significantly improves low-light shooting. In travel, portrait photography and cinematic-style video, the difference will be immediately visible.
4. New Samsung PD-TR-Logic image sensor
One of the most unexpected news is that Apple is replacing Sony as its exclusive image sensor supplier. Samsung is developing a new triple-layer stacked sensor (PD-TR-Logic) specifically for the iPhone 18. The advantages: faster response, less noise, and greater dynamic range. This is one of the most significant changes in Apple's component suppliers in recent years.
5. LTPO+ display with greater energy efficiency
The display technology is upgraded to LTPO+, the next generation after the current LTPO. The dimensions remain the same as the iPhone 17 Pro: 6.3 inches on the Pro and 6.9 inches on the Pro Max. The panels are manufactured by Samsung Display and LG Display. LTPO+ brings significant power savings especially in always-on display and low refresh rate modes, improving real-world battery life.
6. Larger capacity battery in Pro Max
The leaks give specific numbers:
- iPhone 18 Pro: 4,056 mAh (China) / 4,288 mAh (US), up from 3,988 / 4,252 mAh in iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 18 Pro Max: 5,391 mAh (China) / 5,567 mAh (US), up from 4,823 / 5,088 mAh on iPhone 17 Pro Max
The increase in the Pro Max reaches +10%, but at a price: the phone is expected to be slightly thicker and heavier (about 243 grams). For heavy users who work all day with their iPhone, this upgrade will be noticeable.
7. Smaller Dynamic Island — 35% narrower
Rumors about Face ID under the screen remain mixed, but one thing is almost certain: the Dynamic Island will become about 35% narrower. From the 20.7 mm of the iPhone 17 Pro, it will be reduced to about 13.5 mm, freeing up valuable screen space. For users who watch a lot of videos or play games, the difference will be immediately noticeable.
8. Apple's C2 modem: mmWave 5G in the US, C2 internationally
Apple's new C2 modem replaces the C1 and C1X modems in the iPhone 16e and iPhone Air. The improvements include faster downloads, better power efficiency, and mmWave 5G support . However, a recent rumor suggests that Apple may keep Qualcomm's modem for the US market, implementing C2 only in international models. For Greece, this means we will get the full version with Apple's new modem.
9. 5G satellite internet (5G Satellite)
Apple is preparing to add support for satellite 5G networks, giving full access to the internet via satellites rather than exclusively via terrestrial towers. If the 2026 schedule is met, the top models and the foldable iPhone Ultra will be the first devices with full satellite internet. In practice, this means connecting from sailboats in the Aegean, mountainous areas, or air travel without Wi-Fi.
10. New deep red color (Dark Cherry) — does not come in black
Apple is testing a deep red finish for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, with purple and brown shades being variations of the same wine color. Other possible options: Light Blue, Dark Gray, and Silver. A Chinese leaker says that for the second year in a row, there will be no black model in the Pro line. Dark Cherry (Pantone 6076) will serve as the darkest option available.
iOS 27 and the biggest Siri redesign in its history
The iPhone 18 Pro will ship with iOS 27, which is expected to bring the biggest Siri upgrade in the assistant's history. New features include:
- Siri with on-screen awareness — recognizes what the user sees on the screen
- Personal context understanding — remembers previous conversations and connections
- Extended Visual Intelligence mode for object recognition via camera
- Standalone Siri app to go back to past conversations
- Writing tools for emails, messages and documents
See also: iOS 27 beta 5: When is it coming out, new features & how to install it
Simplified Camera Control button
A less talked about but important detail: Apple is working on reducing the cost of the Camera Control button by removing the capacitive sensing layer and keeping only pressure recognition. The goal is to maintain the Camera Control functionality with lower manufacturing costs and reduced repair costs, as the current system was one of the most expensive parts to service.
What does it mean for the Greek consumer?
The upgrades of the new series translate into four points that really matter to the Greek user:
- Best camera for night shots in Mykonos, Santorini or summer events
- Satellite internet for cruises, sailing and trips to Greek islands without coverage
- Full Siri in Greek via on-device Apple Intelligence — without sending data to the cloud
- Greater autonomy for Greek users who consume video, streaming and gaming
Frequently Asked Questions about iPhone 18 Pro Features
What's the most important new feature?
For most users, the 48MP variable aperture camera is the standout for most, bringing professional-grade photography to an everyday device. For heavy users, the A20 Pro chip and 12GB of RAM are a major reason to upgrade.
Is it true that Samsung will manufacture the camera sensors?
Yes, reports from Asian sources indicate that Samsung is developing the new three-layer PD-TR-Logic sensor specifically for the iPhone 18. This is a big change, as Sony has been the exclusive supplier for years.
When do sales start?
The official presentation is expected on September 9 or 14, 2026, with the first deliveries 9-11 days later. Details about the Greek availability and price have already been published in another SecNews article.
Will the basic iPhone 18 be released at the same time?
No. Rumors suggest that Apple is adopting a two-part release cycle: the Pro, Pro Max, and foldable Ultra will be released in September 2026, while the iPhone 18, iPhone Air 2, and iPhone 18e will follow in spring 2027.
Will the phone support AI functions without an internet connection?
Yes, the integration of 12GB of RAM and the A20 Pro chip allows much of Apple's Intelligence functions to be executed locally, without sending data to cloud servers. This translates into better privacy and faster responsiveness.
Will iOS 17 support the iPhone 17 Pro?
Yes. iOS 17 is expected to support all models from the iPhone 11 onwards. However, the more demanding Apple Intelligence features with 12GB of RAM will be available exclusively on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Air.
The iPhone 18 Pro series marks the most significant technological alpha since the iPhone X era. The upgrades in chip, camera, RAM and connectivity fully justify the flagship. The SecNews editorial team will cover in detail every official announcement from the September Apple event. Sources: MacRumors, Bloomberg (Mark Gurman), Asian component manufacturing sources.
