Early iPhone 18 Pro Leaks Point To Transparent Ceramic Back, Cooling Upgrades, And A20 Pro Chip

Apple have just launched the iPhone 17 series, but leaks are already hinting at what the iPhone 18 Pro could bring next year. According to reports, Apple could be working on some interesting design tweaks and powerful hardware upgrades.

According to tipster Digital Chat Station, the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max will retain a similar design language to the iPhone 17 Pro models, including a rectangular camera island with a triple-lens setup. Display sizes are also expected to stay the same – 6.3 inches for the iPhone 18 Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max – both featuring Apple’s Super Retina panels.

The more intriguing detail, however, is a possible “slightly transparent” Ceramic Shield back. While specifics are unclear, it suggests Apple may be experimenting with a semi-transparent design element that gives users a glimpse of the phone’s internals. Another leak suggests a new stainless steel vapor cooling chamber, replacing the laser-welded chamber in the iPhone 17 Pro. If true, this upgrade could help the phone stay cooler and deliver consistent performance even during demanding tasks like gaming.

According to Taiwan’s Commercial Times, the iPhone 18 Pro could debut with Apple’s next-generation A20 Pro chip, built on TSMC’s 2nm process. The phone is also expected to feature Apple’s in-house C2 modem, possibly improving network efficiency and reducing dependency on third-party components.

Other long-rumoured changes include a smaller Dynamic Island, though under-display Face ID will reportedly not be ready for 2026. This points to some surprises kept for 2027 to mark the 20th anniversary of iPhones.

While these details remain leaks for now, they suggest Apple is working on more than just incremental updates. The iPhone 18 Pro might bring fresh design ideas with serious hardware upgrades.