Key upgrades expected for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max

GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu has shared fresh details about Apple's upcoming flagship smartphones. In a new research note, he listed five key upgrades that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to receive based on his information.

One of the most noticeable changes will be a smaller Dynamic Island. The Face ID lighting system is expected to move under the display, reducing the notch and creating a cleaner-looking front panel. Another major upgrade involves the main camera. The 48-megapixel sensor will gain a variable aperture, allowing the phones to better adapt to different lighting conditions and improve photo quality both day and night.

The analyst also highlighted the hardware platform. The Pro lineup will run on the A20 Pro processor, manufactured using TSMC's first-generation 2nm process. This chip will feature a new packaging design and represent another step by Apple toward boosting performance and energy efficiency. Additionally, a new N2 wireless chip is mentioned as an evolution of the N1 solution used in previous models. It is expected to deliver improved wireless interface performance and more efficient power consumption, though exact specifications remain undisclosed.

The fifth significant change will be the introduction of the Apple C2 modem. Until now, the company's in-house modems have only been used in select models, but with the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, they will essentially become part of the core flagship lineup.

According to the analyst's forecast, the new smartphones are set to be unveiled this fall. Apple may also showcase a foldable iPhone alongside them, while the base models of the iPhone 18 series are anticipated next year.