The upcoming iPhone 18, set to release in 2026, marks a shift in Apple’s design philosophy that could leave fans feeling uncertain about its future. For years, the iPhone has been a global icon, instantly recognizable from a distance. Apple’s brand power is undeniable, whether you’re a fan or not. However, with the iPhone 17 series, we already see the first signs of Apple abandoning its iconic design language.
And it looks like the iPhone 18 will continue down this path of reinventing its look, but at the cost of what made the iPhone so unmistakably Apple.
The iPhone 17 series, expected to be revealed soon, will feature a significant change to its exterior, including a much larger camera island on the back. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will adopt this change, with a new camera design intended to enhance photography by distancing the flash from the sensors. But does this make the iPhone more innovative or simply a carbon copy of other devices on the market? Some say the iPhone 17’s design will resemble Google’s Pixel phones too closely, and they’re not wrong. This move might strip away some of Apple’s hard-earned recognition.
Despite these mixed feelings about the iPhone 17, it’s clear Apple is pushing forward with bold changes. But these changes could come at a cost-what happens when a product becomes unrecognizable? That’s the concern with the iPhone 18. Leaked reports suggest that the iPhone 18 will ditch the iconic notch and feature a punch-hole design for its front display, a design choice Apple’s been considering for a while. With Face ID moving under the display and the front camera housed behind a punch-hole, the iPhone 18 could become a phone that’s hard to distinguish from other brands.
The iPhone 18’s design could make it look more like an Android phone than the beloved iPhone we’ve known for years. The punch-hole design, combined with reports suggesting that the camera island on the back may be asymmetric, would make it hard to tell whether the device is an iPhone or something else entirely. While the Dynamic Island was a standout feature, offering a creative solution to the notch, reverting to a punch-hole could be seen as a step backward.
In terms of performance, the iPhone 18 will be a powerhouse. It will be the first Apple device to feature the A20 chip, based on a 2 nm process, signaling impressive advancements in processing power. But for all its internal improvements, the iPhone 18 might not be a top choice for anyone who values distinctive design and the brand identity Apple has built over the years. Instead, the rumored foldable iPhone, set to launch around the same time, may become the more unique option for those looking for something different from the iPhone 18. However, its price may prove to be a barrier.
Overall, the iPhone 18’s design decisions might make it hard for long-time Apple fans to embrace. With its identity crisis and an uncertain future, it’s clear that the iPhone 18 is a step in a new direction. But whether this new direction is a hit or a miss remains to be seen.