What’s happened? A new leak suggests Apple may borrow a page from Nothing’s design playbook for its next-gen iPhone Pro models.
- In a recent post on Weibo, trusted leaker Digital Chat Station claimed that while the iPhone 18 Pro models will retain the large camera island design introduced with the iPhone 17 Pro, the devices could feature a new transparent back panel.
- It’s not immediately clear whether this transparent back panel will actually reveal the phone’s internals or if Apple will conceal them with a stylized cover, similar to Nothing’s approach.
- The leak also suggests that Apple may switch to a smaller hole-punch cutout for the front-facing camera and FaceID sensors, introduce a variable aperture main camera, and include a steel-cased battery on the Pro Max model.
Why is this important? A transparent or semi-transparent back panel would mark a bold shift for Apple, which has largely stuck with minor design changes over the last few generations. It could also tie in well with the new Liquid Glass design introduced in iOS 26.
- The move could signal Apple’s willingness to experiment and make the iPhone more visually distinctive in a sea of plain glass and metal slabs.
- Additionally, features like a variable aperture camera, smaller hole-punch cutout, and steel-cased battery suggest the company may be prioritizing a more visually appealing display, improved camera performance, and enhanced durability for its next-gen Pro models.
Why should I care? If you’re a fan of the recent wave of transparent tech to hit the market, the iPhone 18 Pro may be right up your alley.
- The new hole-punch cutout could free up more screen real estate, giving you a more immersive experience while playing games or watching videos. And if you like the Dynamic Island, you can expect some visual upgrades in future iOS releases that account for the smaller hole-punch cutout.
- For those who prioritize camera performance or durability, the upgraded main camera and steel-cased battery may make the Pro model a more compelling pick than the standard iPhone 18.
What’s next? Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 18 series next fall, so it’s still too early to know whether these rumored changes will make it to the production models or not. Expect more leaks and renders to surface in the coming months that could shed light on Apple’s final design choices for the Pro models.
