Apple to unify iPhone 18 Pro’s rear panel design

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro is expected to abandon the two-tone rear panel design in favor of a more seamless look, according to a report from MacRumors citing a Chinese insider.

Current iPhone 17 Pro models use a glass insert on the back to support MagSafe wireless charging. This Ceramic Shield 2 section differs slightly in color from the aluminum frame, creating the distinct two-tone effect.

For the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple is reportedly updating its rear glass replacement process, which should reduce the visible color difference between the glass and the frame.

The leak aligns with earlier rumors suggesting that Ceramic Shield may adopt a slightly translucent design, first mentioned by tipster Digital Chat Station in September. That source also claimed the iPhone 18 Pro would retain a design language similar to the current generation.

The latest report comes from the Weibo account Instant Digital, known for accurately predicting the yellow iPhone 14 color, though its overall track record has been mixed.

Both the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are expected to feature the A20 Pro chip built on TSMC’s 2-nanometer process, along with Apple’s in-house C2 modem replacing Qualcomm’s solution. The launch is scheduled for September 2026, alongside Apple’s first foldable iPhone.