Apple's iPhone 18 Pro has reportedly entered the test production stage, according to a tipster, with only minimal changes to materials compared to previous models. The device, expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro Max and the rumoured iPhone Fold at Apple's Fall event, is now reportedly in early limited-scale manufacturing runs.
Apple Reportedly Begins Test Production For iPhone 18 Pro
In a Weibo post (reported by 9to5Mac), tipster Fixed Focus Digital stated that the iPhone 18 series, including the Pro model, has begun production testing. As per the post cited by 9to5Mac, “the production line of the iPhone 18 Pro has also started. According to the current information, the material has not changed much, and the current scheme specifications are still used as a whole.”
If this latest information holds true, Apple isn't planning major shifts in build or design language. This aligns with earlier reports claiming that the Cupertino major will focus more on efficiency in the iPhone 18 Pro rather than external redesigns.
This phase is part of Apple's standard hardware cycle, occurring several months before the official unveiling of a device. At this stage, design is usually finalised. Having said that, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently noted that Apple is contemplating new colours for the iPhone 18 range. “Apple is now considering a deep red colour for its next lineup,” Gurman wrote, adding that “as of now, red is the new flagship colour in testing for the next iPhone Pros.”
Hence, the latest tip about iPhone 18 Pro entering test production should be taken with a pinch of salt.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro: Other Expected Upgrades
Several internal upgrades have been rumoured for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. The devices are expected to feature the latest A20 Pro 2nm chipset, which will potentially improve performance, power efficiency, and thermal management.
The Pro Max is tipped to include a larger battery — around 5,100mAh — paired with a thicker chassis. Other anticipated features for the Pro models include a smaller Dynamic Island, potentially with under-display Face ID, Apple's in-house C2 modem for better connectivity, 24MP selfie shooter, upgraded main rear camera with variable aperture, and a simplified Camera Control button.
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