The Dynamic Island on the iPhone 18 Pro will almost certainly become smaller, and inside the smartphone there will be a vapor chamber spanning nearly its entire length. This is indicated by a fresh X-ray image of the phone’s internals obtained by insiders. Apparently, this is the final prototype version, so the changes will likely make it into the final version of the iPhone.
iPhone 18 Pro: smaller Dynamic Island and huge vapor chamber on a CT scan
Why the Dynamic Island on iPhone 18 Pro Will Be Smaller
The main detail of the leak concerns the Face ID facial recognition sensors in the iPhone 18 Pro, whose presentation is set for September 9. The scan shows how the front component layout has changed. Previously, the elongated cutout housed the full set: camera, scanner, and infrared emitter (which illuminates your face with invisible light so the phone can recognize you in the dark).
The screen cutout on iPhone 18 Pro will be smaller thanks to placing some components under the display
Now, according to the leak, only the front camera and Face ID scanner will remain in the central cutout, while the infrared emitter moves to the side and possibly hides under the screen. This allows Apple to shrink the cutout itself — and consequently the Dynamic Island that forms around it.
For everyday use, this is primarily a matter of appearance. A smaller cutout means more usable screen area at the top and a neater-looking status bar with the clock and icons. It shouldn’t logically affect Face ID speed or recognition quality — the sensors aren’t disappearing, just being redistributed. But for now this is a leak, not an Apple confirmation, so the details should be taken calmly.
Large Vapor Chamber and iPhone 18 Pro Cooling
The second finding on the scan is the cooling system. CT scanning revealed a large vapor chamber that extends toward the upper part of the phone. A vapor chamber is a flat element inside the body that evenly distributes heat from the processor and prevents it from accumulating in one spot.
And this is what the vapor chamber looks like
In practice, this benefits those who put prolonged heavy loads on the phone: games with demanding graphics, high-quality video recording, extended navigation. The better the heat dissipation, the longer the phone maintains high speed without throttling due to overheating. No clear performance gains can be derived from the leak — we can only see the presence of a large cooling system, but not the numbers.
Cameras, Display, and Connectivity of iPhone 18 Pro
This leak aligns with previously known details about the internals. According to existing rumors, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will feature the following:
- Triple 48 MP camera with a main module featuring a variable aperture (meaning the camera can control the amount of light and depth of field)
- Ultra-wide module with improved stabilization
- Periscope telephoto lens for optical zoom without quality loss
- A larger camera module on the back panel
Plus, the iPhone 18 Pro will have a new premium color
The display, according to leaks, will use a new Samsung M16 generation OLED panel. A noticeable improvement in energy efficiency is claimed thanks to a change in backlight type, and the screen refresh rate adapts to the task: up to 120 Hz for games and smooth scrolling, and down to 1 Hz on static images to save battery.
Regarding connectivity, rumors promise a new Apple modem called C2, which will add support for the fastest 5G variant (mmWave) and expanded satellite features. Colors, according to leaks, will include four options: dark gray, dark cherry, light blue, and silver. It’s also noted that Apple plans to refine the aluminum frame finish to address the color fading issue that plagued iPhone 17 Pro owners. Though this isn’t confirmed.
iPhone 18 Pro Price in the US and Russia
Based on current estimates, the iPhone 18 Pro may start at $1,399 — roughly 151,000 rubles in Russia at the current exchange rate. For comparison, the base iPhone 17 Pro started at $1,099, meaning a noticeable price increase.
Two caveats are important here. First, this is a forecast from a research firm, not an official Apple price — the final price could be different. Second, in Russia the cost depends on the exchange rate, import method, and retailer markup, so the actual shelf price is almost always higher than a direct conversion.
Should You Wait for iPhone 18 Pro or Buy iPhone 17 Pro Now
In short: for now this is a collection of leaks, not a finished product, so it’s too early to draw purchasing conclusions. A smaller Dynamic Island and a large cooling system are welcome changes, but neither the cutout appearance nor the cooling specifications have been officially confirmed.
iPhone 17 Pro owners don’t need to rush into anything — there are no compelling reasons to upgrade based on this leak. However, those planning to switch phones in the new cycle and wanting the cleanest possible top-of-screen design and cooling headroom for gaming and video recording should keep an eye on news closer to the announcement. Until the official presentation, all numbers and details should be treated as rumors.
On the other hand, it’s worth remembering that the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max price will almost certainly be higher than the current generation model. So if you’re using an older iPhone and wondering whether to buy the iPhone 17 Pro now or wait for the new model, you have a serious reason not to wait.
