Apple starts early prototyping of iPhone 18 — sources

Apple has entered the early prototyping stage of its iPhone 18 lineup, GizmoChina reported, citing well-known leaker Digital Chat Station.

According to the source, Apple is not planning a radical redesign, focusing instead on adjustments to display sizes and a clearer functional separation between base models and Pro versions.

The standard iPhone 18 is expected to feature a 6.27-inch LTPO OLED display with a 120-Hz refresh rate while retaining the existing Dynamic Island design. A similar front-panel layout may be used across other base and budget models.

The iPhone Air 2 is said to come with a 6.55-inch LTPO display supporting 120 Hz, with no major changes to screen layout.

More significant changes are expected in the Pro lineup. iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are reportedly being tested with 6.27-inch and 6.86-inch displays, respectively. Apple may partially move the Face ID system under the display, leaving only a small cutout for the front camera, resulting in a reduced Dynamic Island.

The source also said Apple is considering revising its launch schedule, with Pro models potentially debuting in late 2026 and base models delayed until spring 2027.