Apple iPhone 18 Pro Rumours: Everything We Know About the Dark Cherry Colour, Camera and A20 Pro Chip

The tech world is abuzz with fresh leaks and rumours surrounding Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, expected to debut in early September 2026. These premium smartphones are tipped to bring substantial upgrades, from a groundbreaking camera system and a new 2nm chipset to a refreshed colour palette, with a particular focus on a sophisticated 'Dark Cherry' finish.

According to multiple industry sources, the iPhone 18 Pro series is on track for an official announcement in early September 2026, with a tentative keynote event eyeing Wednesday, September 9th. Pre-orders are widely anticipated to commence on Friday, September 11th, followed by a general retail release around Friday, September 18th.

Colour Palette Shifts: Dark Cherry Leads the Charge

One of the most talked-about aspects of the iPhone 18 Pro series is its rumoured new colour options, signaling a departure from previous generations. Leaks suggest Apple will introduce a striking 'Dark Cherry' shade as the signature new colour. Described as a deep, wine-like red, it is expected to be more muted than the vibrant 'Cosmic Orange' of the iPhone 17 Pro, which is now anticipated to be discontinued. This 'Dark Cherry' variant could mark the first time a red finish is offered as a signature color on a Pro-tier iPhone.

Other rumoured colours include Light Blue, Dark Gray, and Silver. The Light Blue is said to resemble the current Mist Blue of the base iPhone 17, while the Dark Gray offers a neutral, darker option. Notably, black is reportedly absent from the Pro lineup for the second consecutive year.

Durability concerns that surfaced with the iPhone 17 Pro's anodized aluminum body, particularly with the Cosmic Orange and Dark Blue finishes prone to discoloration and scratches, are also being addressed. While the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to retain a similar design, Apple is reportedly implementing a new manufacturing process for the aluminum body to enhance corrosion resistance and minimise discoloration.

Under the Hood: Performance and Efficiency Redefined

The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are set to be powered by Apple's next-generation A20 Pro chipset. This chip is rumoured to be built on TSMC's advanced 2nm process, a first for Apple's mobile processors. This architectural leap is expected to deliver approximately 15% faster performance and a remarkable 30% improvement in power efficiency compared to the A19 chip.

Complementing the A20 Pro, the devices are also expected to feature Apple's second-generation C2 modem. This Apple-designed modem is anticipated to bring significant advantages, including enhanced battery efficiency, improved privacy features like 'Limit Precise Location,' and better connectivity performance in challenging signal areas. The iPhone 18 Pro models are also rumoured to ship with 12GB of RAM and offer a base storage of 256GB, with the Pro Max potentially reaching up to 2TB. iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max Colour Options: Everything We Know So Far.

Display technology is also getting an upgrade, with both Pro models reportedly featuring LTPO+ OLED panels (6.3-inch for Pro, 6.9-inch for Pro Max) with a 1-120Hz refresh rate and up to 3000 nits peak brightness. A major design tweak involves an around 35% reduction in the Dynamic Island's size, shrinking from 20.76mm to 13.49mm, promising a more immersive screen experience. When Will Apple Launch iPhone 18 Pro Max? Expected Release Date, Price and Specifications.

Revolutionary Camera Capabilities and AI Integration

Photography enthusiasts have much to look forward to, as leaks suggest the iPhone 18 Pro series will feature the most significant camera hardware leap in years. The headline feature is expected to be a 48MP main camera with a variable aperture lens. This technology will allow the camera to physically adjust the lens opening, providing users with unprecedented control over depth of field and superior light adaptation in varying conditions, akin to DSLR cameras.

Further camera enhancements include an upgraded telephoto lens with a wider aperture, designed to improve low-light zoom performance. Rumours also point to a 24MP front camera. These camera advancements are expected to result in a slightly larger camera bump on the rear.

Software-wise, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will launch with iOS 27, bringing a substantially upgraded Siri powered by generative AI. This enhanced Apple Intelligence will enable Siri to understand on-screen context, process natural language more effectively, learn user preferences, and execute actions within apps.

Expected India Pricing and Availability

While official pricing will only be confirmed at Apple's September 2026 event, early reports provide an indication for the Indian market. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to start at around INR 1,34,900 to INR 1,50,000, depending on the storage configuration. For the iPhone 18 Pro Max, prices are anticipated to range from INR 1,49,900 for the base 256GB variant, potentially reaching up to INR 1,69,990 for higher storage options.

Analysts suggest that Apple may absorb a significant portion of rising component and AI-related costs to maintain price stability, though a slight increase cannot be entirely ruled out.

Disclaimer: AI tools assisted in compiling the foundational data and research for this report. The final content was reviewed, edited and verified by human editors at LatestLY.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 22, 2026 10:49 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).