[DigitalToday reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on Sept. 9 next week.

According to IT outlet 9to5Mac on Aug. 31 local time, the Pro lineup is expected to focus on improvements in performance, cameras, design and battery life.

The base iPhone 18 Pro is expected to keep the same 6.3-inch size as the previous model. Internal changes are expected to be significant. It is tipped to use a new A20 Pro chip, which is expected to boost device performance and help run Siri AI in iOS 27. The A20 Pro was mentioned as being in the same family as the recently unveiled M6. The outlet said this would make the iPhone more powerful than ever.

The camera is also cited as a key change for this generation. The main camera may adopt an entirely new module, which could make the rear camera bump thicker than before. A variable aperture feature is being discussed as either exclusive to the Pro Max or included in both models. The telephoto camera is expected to adopt a wider aperture to improve low-light shooting. The camera control function may also be revamped.

External changes are largely in line with the previous model. Some detailed design tweaks are expected. The front Dynamic Island cutout could shrink by about 35%, and the back is expected to use a more integrated finish that improves the continuity of color between glass and aluminum. A deep cherry or burgundy tone is being discussed as the new signature color.

Battery life is also a key area for improvement. With higher power efficiency from the A20 Pro and the effect of a new C2 Apple modem, the iPhone 18 Pro's battery life could reach the best level ever. Battery capacity itself is also expected to increase slightly.

The higher-end iPhone 18 Pro Max may have additional differentiators on top of those changes. The display could grow to 6.9 inches, and its battery advantage could widen further. Information leaked through regulatory documents suggested the iPhone 18 Pro Max battery could be about 10 percent larger than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Given that Apple's large-screen Pro Max model has already offered longer battery life, the gap could widen further this time, the report said. The outlet also singled out the Pro Max as an option for users who want the longest possible battery life.

The variable aperture may also remain a Pro Max-only feature. Views differ on whether it will be applied to both models, but recent speculation has again highlighted a scenario in which it is applied first to the Pro Max.

The key to the new products is the possibility that both the Pro and Pro Max will improve baseline performance, photography and power efficiency, while the Pro Max could gain an extra edge in battery and cameras. A key point to watch is whether Apple will confirm such differences as its actual product strategy at its Sept. 9 launch event.