Analyst reveals key upgrades for iPhone 18 Pro: Smaller Dynamic Island, variable aperture camera

Jeff Pu, an analyst at investment firm GF Securities, shared new predictions for Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. According to Pu, Apple is planning five major changes compared to current models. The information comes ahead of the expected September 2026 launch and represents one of the most detailed leaks about the next-generation flagships so far.

1. Dynamic Island Finally Shrinks

The most noticeable visual change will be a smaller Dynamic Island. Apple plans to move part of the Face ID components under the display, reducing the size of the “island.” This will increase usable screen area and bring the design closer to the nearly bezel-less look that users have been expecting for several generations.

2. Variable Aperture in the Main Camera

The 48MP main camera will feature a mechanically adjustable aperture. This technology allows the lens to change its opening automatically or manually based on lighting conditions. The result: better detail in shadows under bright sunlight, improved background blur in portrait shots, and reduced noise in low light. This is a significant upgrade over the fixed f/1.78 aperture in current Pro models.

3. A20 Pro Chip Built on 2nm Process

Apple’s next-generation processor will use a 2-nanometer process (likely from TSMC). Moving from the 3nm A18 Pro to 2nm traditionally provides a 10–15% performance boost and noticeable energy savings. This should improve battery life, speed up Apple Intelligence AI features, and enhance overall system smoothness.

4–5. Updated Wireless Modules

Apple will fully update the device’s connectivity hardware:

• The Wi-Fi/Bluetooth N1 chip will be replaced by the more advanced N2;
• The in-house 5G modem C1 will be succeeded by the C2 version.

These new modules promise better energy efficiency, more stable signal reception, and support for new standards, including Wi-Fi 7 and enhanced mmWave 5G — especially relevant following Apple’s shift to its own modem in 2025.

When to Expect iPhone 18 and Other Models

According to Jeff Pu and other sources, the full iPhone 18 lineup is expected to launch in September 2026, including the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and potentially a foldable iPhone Fold. The standard iPhone 18 and the iPhone Air 2 (a thinner “Air” model) may be announced separately in early 2027.

While these are predictions from one of the most reliable Apple supply chain analysts, final specifications will only be confirmed at the official September 2026 presentation.

In Short
Jeff Pu highlighted five key upgrades for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: a smaller Dynamic Island (by partially moving Face ID under the screen), a 48MP camera with variable aperture, a 2nm A20 Pro chip, a new Wi-Fi/Bluetooth N2 chip, and a new 5G modem C2. The Pro models are expected in September 2026, with base models likely arriving in early 2027.