Apple's Upcoming iPhone Models: Rumors Detail Display Changes, Chip Upgrades, and Launch Timelines

Multiple reports from various sources and analysts have provided details regarding Apple's anticipated iPhone 17e, as well as the forthcoming iPhone 18, iPhone Air 2, and iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max models. These reports outline potential changes in display technology, design, internal specifications, and estimated launch timelines for the respective devices.

iPhone 17e: Anticipated Specifications and Launch

Rumors suggest Apple is preparing to launch the iPhone 17e, with a focus on cost management and feature enhancements.

The iPhone 17e is anticipated to launch as early as February, possibly on February 19, mirroring the iPhone 16e's release. Other reports suggest a launch later in the spring or after mass production begins following CES 2026.

The iPhone 17e is widely projected to retain a starting price of $599 in the U.S. for the 256GB model, a pricing strategy attributed to Apple's reported advancements in supply chain efficiency for its lower-cost model.

This is notable despite industry trends of increasing smartphone prices due to component costs.

The iPhone 17e is expected to transition from a traditional notch to a Dynamic Island design. It is anticipated to feature a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate. Chinese display manufacturer BOE is reportedly entrusted with fulfilling display orders, with an estimated shipment of 8 million units. However, one report indicates the iPhone 17e will retain its current design, featuring a notch instead of the Dynamic Island.

The iPhone 17e is rumored to incorporate the A19 chip, also expected in the base iPhone 17 model. This chip is based on TSMC's third-generation 3nm process (N3P) and is estimated to offer a 5-10% increase in raw CPU performance compared to the A18 chip. Reports suggest the A19 chip in the 17e may be a downclocked version or include a 4-core GPU.

For connectivity, the device is expected to feature MagSafe wireless charging support. Reports vary on the modem: some suggest the C1 5G modem, similar to its predecessor, while others indicate an Apple C1X modem, potentially offering faster speeds, and an N1 network chip for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread connectivity. Conversely, some leaked Apple code suggests the device might utilize older C1 or C1X modems and lack an N1 wireless chip to manage costs.

The iPhone 17e is expected to retain a 12-megapixel front-facing camera and a 48-megapixel rear camera, potentially reusing the sensor from the iPhone 16e. Improvements in computational photography are anticipated to enhance image and video quality.

Specific battery capacity details are currently unknown, though Apple may reuse the 4,005mAh cell from the iPhone 16e. The new model is expected to offer longer battery life due to efficiency improvements in the A19 chip and the C1 5G modem.

iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2: Standard Model Outlook

Leaks detail potential specifications for the standard iPhone 18 and a new iPhone Air 2 model.

The iPhone 18 is rumored to feature a 6.27-inch or 6.3-inch LTPO 120Hz screen, while the iPhone Air 2 is projected to have a 6.55-inch or 6.5-inch LTPO 120Hz screen. These display sizes and technology align with the current iPhone 17 series. Both models are expected to feature the standard Dynamic Island, unchanged from current models, and the width reduction seen in Pro models is not anticipated for these devices immediately. The iPhone 18 is also projected to offer significantly higher display brightness, with reports indicating that a Chinese supplier, BOE, faced challenges meeting Apple's stringent brightness requirements.

Rumors suggest the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 may not launch until approximately March 2027, or early 2027, potentially as part of a split-launch cycle from the Pro models.

The iPhone 18 is expected to feature an A20 chip and a C2 modem. It is also rumored to include a simplified Camera Control system.

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: Display Redesign Focus

Reports primarily detail a refreshed front design and display advancements for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

The iPhone 18 Pro is anticipated to have a 6.27-inch or 6.3-inch LTPO 120Hz screen, and the iPhone 18 Pro Max a 6.86-inch or 6.9-inch LTPO 120Hz screen. These dimensions are largely consistent with the iPhone 17 Pro series. LG and Samsung are reportedly collaborating on a new LTPO+ display panel for the iPhone 18 Pro, with the iPhone 18 Pro Max specifically expected to incorporate Samsung's LTPO Plus display technology for brighter visuals and improved energy efficiency. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is also expected to offer enhanced display brightness.

Apple's long-term objective involves integrating both the selfie camera and all Face ID components beneath the display. Early reports, including those from The Information and Jon Prosser, suggested the iPhone 18 Pro models would initially hide the Face ID module, leaving a single punch-hole for a potentially repositioned selfie camera on the display's top-left side. Jon Prosser further indicated that the Dynamic Island software feature might shift to the top-left corner and expand from there.

However, subsequent clarifications from leaker Instant Digital, corroborated by display analyst Ross Young and supported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, suggest a different approach. These reports indicate that the selfie camera will remain centrally located. A visible, albeit smaller, cutout for both the selfie camera and some Face ID components is expected to persist. This reduced-size cutout, specifically for the Pro models, may be achieved by relocating only the infrared flood illuminator—a small and optically simple Face ID component—under the display, possibly to the top-left area.

The dot projector, infrared camera, and selfie camera are expected to remain centered within a reduced, pill-shaped Dynamic Island, with its width projected to shrink by approximately 35% (from 20.76 mm to 13.49 mm).

The iPhone 18 Pro models are rumored to feature an A20 Pro chip, potentially built on 2-nanometer architecture for greater energy efficiency. They are also expected to switch to an Apple C2 or C-Series modem. Apple is reportedly planning to expand satellite connectivity beyond Emergency SOS for these models, potentially enabling navigation tools and photo sending without cellular or Wi-Fi.

Additional rumors for the iPhone 18 Pro series include new color options such as burgundy, brown, and purple, a variable aperture camera system, and a simplified Camera Control button. Apple is anticipated to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models in September.