[Digital Today intern reporter Seung-a Yoo (유승아)] Photos of drop tests and supply-chain information for Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro, which Apple is expected to unveil in early September, have been leaked.

On June 29 (local time), IT outlet 9to5Mac reported that a data breach at Apple partner Tata Electronics leaked hundreds of gigabytes of files online, and the material is said to include documents related to the iPhone 18 Pro.

The leaked material falls into three broad categories. First are documents from the quality assurance process, which Apple treats as highly sensitive. Reuters reported that the leaked photos show devices undergoing drop tests for quality assurance, appearing as a typical slab-style grey smartphone with three rear cameras and an Apple logo.

Next, detailed parts lists and supplier information were exposed. It was reported that the leak includes information on chips used on the logic board, as well as camera and battery-related details.

Finally, there is internal hardware development information. AppleInsider reported that the leaked files also include blueprints related to the next-generation A20 system-on-chip and the C2 modem. That raises the possibility that designs for next-generation core hardware were exposed beyond device test photos.

The bigger issue is seen as the disclosure of pre-release test materials rather than the device’s exterior design itself. Analysts have said the security fallout could be larger because the supply chain and key component configuration were also exposed, along with the product’s appearance.

Still, there is not much new information on design changes alone. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to keep a design that is almost similar to the iPhone 17 Pro, and a new color lineup is cited as a main change. The published photos are also said to be similar to the existing Pro lineup.

The incident stems from a hacking case at Tata Electronics. After it became known last week that the company suffered a data breach, hundreds of gigabytes of files were reported to have spread online. The leaked material widely includes sensitive company information, and Apple is said to be closely watching documents related to the iPhone 18 Pro in particular.

None of the leaked information has been directly verified so far, and it is understood only within the scope reported by external media.

The leak is being seen as a case that again highlights the importance of security for pre-release products as well as security management at partners. With Apple set to officially unveil the iPhone 18 Pro in early September, attention is also focused on whether additional materials will leak before the announcement.