We’re still months away from the iPhone 18 lineup, yet whispers from Apple’s testing labs are already out in the wild. This time, the focus is on two bold ideas: a variable-aperture camera and a transparent rear panel — both pointing toward a more experimental phase for Apple’s design team.
A Camera That Adapts Like the Human Eye
According to tipster Digital Chat Station, Apple has been testing a variable-aperture main sensor for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Unlike the fixed f/1.78 setup on current models, this new camera could open wider for portraits or close down in daylight to capture more detail.
It’s a subtle change, but for photography enthusiasts, it’s a big deal. A variable aperture means better control over lighting and depth — something Android flagships like Huawei’s P-series have already offered. If Apple brings that to the iPhone, it could level the playing field in mobile photography once again.
Interestingly, South Korea’s ET News also mentioned this upgrade months ago, claiming it was one of the most likely features for Apple’s 2026 lineup. Seeing it resurface now gives that report a lot more credibility.
Shrinking the Dynamic Island: A Hole-Punch Display in Testing
The front camera might also get a redesign. The same leak suggests Apple is trying out a hole-punch camera, possibly backed by an under-display Face ID system.
That would mark the end of the Dynamic Island as we know it. Instead, we could see a cleaner, uninterrupted screen — similar to what Samsung and Xiaomi have already done. Whether Apple can make Face ID work flawlessly under the display remains to be seen, but given its track record, it’s clearly getting closer.
From a design standpoint, this would be one of the biggest visual upgrades since the iPhone X removed the home button.
A Transparent Back? That’s New for Apple
The most surprising rumor involves the back of the phone. Apple is reportedly experimenting with a transparent or semi-transparent glass panel, showing parts of the internal layout beneath.
That’s a move we’d expect from Nothing, not Apple. But it’s easy to see the appeal — a glimpse of the logic board, the MagSafe ring, or even the battery components could add a futuristic charm to a product that’s often accused of looking too familiar.
Apple has always taken a cautious approach to design changes, but a transparent model could refresh the iPhone’s identity without straying too far from its minimalist roots.
Looking Ahead to the Anniversary Model
Of course, not everything in testing makes it to production. Apple could easily save one or more of these changes for the iPhone 19, which will mark the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone.
Still, leaks like this suggest Apple is thinking more creatively again — not just about performance or chip efficiency, but about how its phones feel and look. A variable-aperture lens, a hole-punch screen, and a clear back design could bring back a sense of surprise that’s been missing for a few generations.
Key Takeaways
- Apple is testing a variable-aperture main camera for the iPhone 18 Pro.
- The new lens could deliver better control over depth and lighting.
- Hole-punch displays might replace the Dynamic Island on Pro models.
- A transparent rear design could reveal internal components.
- Apple may reserve major design changes for the 20th-anniversary iPhone 19.
