Apple iPhone 18 Pro arrives September 2026 with 2nm A20 chip and satellite 5G modem

Apple is set to launch the iPhone 18 Pro in September 2026 with a significant internal overhaul, headlined by the A20 chip built on TSMC's advanced 2-nanometre process — a generational leap in performance that the company is reportedly not passing on as a price increase.

The 6.3-inch Pro model is expected to retain its $1,099 starting price, while the 6.9-inch Pro Max variant will remain at $1,199, despite the chip offering a rumoured 15 per cent speed boost and 30 per cent improved efficiency over the current A19 series. The new lineup will also introduce an adjustable aperture primary camera and a satellite-capable 5G modem, among a range of other hardware upgrades.

Camera: The biggest visible upgrade

The most significant change users are likely to notice is in the camera system. Apple is developing an adjustable aperture for the primary lens, enabling users to manually control how much light enters the sensor — addressing overexposure issues and offering greater creative flexibility. An improved aperture is also expected on the telephoto and wide-angle lenses.

A new three-layer stacked image sensor produced by Samsung is also in development for the device. This technology is expected to reduce latency, cut visual noise and expand dynamic range compared with the current sensor design.

Display, battery and design

External design changes are expected to be minor. Screen sizes remain the same, construction is marginally heavier, and the Dynamic Island notch may shrink by approximately 35 per cent. Display technology is set to be upgraded to LTPO+ panels, and the battery capacity of the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to grow slightly, from 4,252 mAh to 4,288 mAh.

New C2 modem and satellite 5G

Under the hood, Apple's new proprietary C2 modem represents a notable step forward in connectivity. The modem supports 5G via satellite using New Radio Non-Terrestrial Networks (NR-NTN) technology, meaning users can access full internet connectivity over satellite even where conventional mobile networks are unavailable — extending coverage to remote and off-grid locations.

Location privacy feature

Apple is also introducing a new privacy control called "Limit Precise Location." The feature prevents mobile carriers from accessing a user's exact location, instead sharing only neighbourhood-level data. It adds another layer of location privacy to the iPhone's existing protections.