Apple‘s next flagship may finally bring three long-rumored features that have been circulating for years. According to multiple reports, the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro is expected to introduce a variable aperture camera, a smaller Dynamic Island, and Apple’s new C2 in-house modem, marking some of the biggest hardware changes to the Pro lineup in recent years.
While Apple has yet to officially confirm any of these features, recent reports suggest all three upgrades are on track for this year’s iPhone 18 Pro.
Variable aperture camera could finally arrive
One of the biggest rumored upgrades is a variable aperture system for the main rear camera.
The feature first surfaced more than two years ago when The Information reported that Apple was developing a variable aperture camera for a future iPhone. At the time, the report suggested it could debut with the iPhone 17 series.
However, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo later claimed the feature had been pushed back to the iPhone 18 lineup.
Recent reports now indicate the variable aperture system is finally ready and will make its debut on the iPhone 18 Pro.
Unlike fixed-aperture cameras found on current iPhones, a variable aperture can adjust the amount of light entering the sensor. Depending on how Apple implements the technology, it could improve low-light photography, provide greater control over depth of field, and offer more flexibility when shooting photos in different lighting conditions.
Exactly how Apple plans to use the feature remains unknown, but the company is expected to reveal more during the iPhone 18 launch event.
Dynamic Island may get even smaller
Apple is also expected to refine the front of the iPhone 18 Pro.
According to current rumors, the Dynamic Island will shrink by around 35% compared to the current design.
Apple introduced the notch with the iPhone X in 2017 before replacing it with the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022. If the latest reports are accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro will feature the smallest display cutout Apple has used since introducing the Dynamic Island.
Some reports also suggest the smaller cutout is reflected in Siri’s updated interface in iOS 27, although Apple has not confirmed any connection between the software and the rumored hardware redesign.
Apple’s C2 modem could replace Qualcomm
Another major upgrade is expected to happen behind the scenes.
The iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to replace Qualcomm’s modem with Apple’s next-generation C2 modem, continuing the company’s long-term plan to develop more of its own chips.
Apple introduced its first in-house modem, the C1, in recent iPhone models as part of its effort to reduce reliance on Qualcomm.
The upcoming C2 modem is expected to deliver faster speeds while improving power efficiency. Like Apple’s other custom silicon, it could also offer better privacy and tighter integration with the rest of the iPhone’s hardware and software.
If the reports prove accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro will become one of Apple’s biggest steps yet toward fully transitioning away from Qualcomm’s modem technology.
Still unofficial
Apple has yet to announce the iPhone 18 Pro or confirm any of the rumored hardware upgrades.
For now, the variable aperture camera, smaller Dynamic Island, and C2 modem remain based on industry reports and should be treated as unofficial until Apple unveils the iPhone 18 series.