Apple’s upcoming standard iPhone 18 could receive significant performance and battery upgrades, while the smaller Dynamic Island may remain exclusive to Pro models.
Apple’s upcoming standard iPhone 18 is expected to receive two major upgrades, including a larger battery and a more efficient processor, according to a renowned Chinese leaker on Weibo.
The reported improvements could bring the base model closer to the performance and battery capabilities of Apple’s current iPhone 18 Pro lineup. However, buyers may also face another price increase when the device launches.
Apple changed its usual launch schedule this year by announcing only the Pro models from the iPhone 18 series. Reports suggest the standard iPhone 18 models will arrive in early 2027, extending the wait for customers interested in the more affordable versions.
One of the expected improvements is longer battery life. The upcoming device is reportedly set to feature a larger battery, meaning the improvement would not rely solely on the efficiency gains of its new processor.
The iPhone 18 is also expected to use a toned-down version of Apple’s A20 system-on-chip (SoC). The processor will reportedly be manufactured using TSMC’s 2-nanometre process, which is expected to bring efficiency and performance improvements.
The combination of a larger battery and a newer chipset could help the standard iPhone 18 deliver better battery endurance than its predecessor.
However, not every feature from the Pro models is expected to reach the standard version. The smaller Dynamic Island is reportedly set to remain exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro series, meaning the base model may retain the existing design.
Pricing is another potential concern for buyers. The report suggests Apple could increase the price of the standard iPhone 18, adding to the cost of its upcoming hardware upgrades.
Such an increase would follow the $100 price rise introduced with last year’s iPhone 17. Although higher component costs across the technology industry could partly explain another adjustment, the reported pricing change has not yet been officially confirmed by Apple.
The iPhone 18’s final specifications, pricing and launch schedule remain subject to official announcement.