- 2nm A20 chip (versus 3nm in iPhone 17): This will likely mean a huge leap in speed, battery life, and power efficiency.
- Likely to debut in September 2026.
- Expected to be significantly more expensive, due to higher chip costs and possibly new tariffs.
- Will likely launch with iOS 19, but benefit greatly from Apple Intelligence thanks to the chip’s performance.
- May be part of a broader industry shift – Qualcomm and MediaTek are also moving to 2nm.
📱 iPhone 17: What’s Coming in 2025
- Expected redesign – potentially the biggest visual update in years.
- Likely to include video upgrades and possibly a new model.
- Will launch with iOS 18, which already includes a massive AI boost (Apple Intelligence), customization features, upgraded apps, and ambient music.
- May still use a 3nm chip, like the A18 or A18 Pro – fast, but not as revolutionary as 2nm.
🔧 iOS 18 Highlights (for both iPhone 17 and compatible older models):
- Apple Intelligence: Smart Siri, summarization, AI image generation, and more.
- Messages: RCS support, scheduling, new emoji reactions, satellite messaging.
- Photos app: Total redesign + new ‘Recovered’ album.
- Passwords app: Secure vault for all login data.
- Control Center & Home Screen: Custom layouts, dark mode for icons.
- Mail & Wallet upgrades, ambient music, app locks, improved Power Reserve, math solving in any field, and more.
🤔 So… Should You Upgrade in 2025 or Wait for 2026?
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Your phone is older than an iPhone 13 or having battery/performance issues | Upgrade to iPhone 17 – you’ll get a big hardware + software jump. |
| You have an iPhone 15 or 16 Pro/Pro Max and it still runs well | Wait for iPhone 18 – the 2nm chip will offer more noticeable gains. |
| You’re into mobile photography or video | iPhone 17 might offer early benefits with video enhancements and redesign. |
| You want the latest AI features but aren’t tied to yearly upgrades | iPhone 17 with iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence will serve you well. |
Imagine This: The iPhone 18 Reimagined with a Tactile Twist
Alright, deep breath — this isn’t a leak or a confirmed product. But what if it was? Picture this: an iPhone with more than just the standard few buttons. Introducing the iPhone 18 Concept by NFT Designer — a phone that brings back tactile interaction in a beautifully unexpected way.
If you remember the CMF Phone from last year, one of its standout features was a physical, threaded knob that sat neatly at the bottom corner of the device. It wasn’t just a gimmick — it enabled users to attach accessories, swap out panels, and play with modular elements. Now, imagine something eerily similar but with a fresh Apple spin.
In this speculative concept, the iPhone 18 comes fitted with a rotary dial — not for accessories, but for pure functionality. Inspired by what we’ve seen at MWC with phones sporting lens control dials, this rotary element ditches the lens attachment and focuses on tactile input instead. Placed ergonomically for landscape photography, it’s designed for intuitive camera control — think zooming, focusing, and even snapping shots with a click. Notably, the typical Camera Control button is missing in this render, which makes this dial feel like a plausible evolution.
A Glimpse Into Apple’s Next-Gen Camera Thinking
We’ve already seen leaks suggesting Apple is moving away from its signature square camera bump to a more centralized “camera island” format with the upcoming iPhone 17 series. It’s a bold shift, and while Apple is known for slimming things down, this thicker module hints at some serious photographic enhancements.
The Camera Control button introduced recently may have been a mere preview of where Apple wants to go — toward making the iPhone the ultimate camera companion. And perhaps a rotating dial, while speculative, aligns perfectly with that vision. Physical controls offer something software can’t: precision and satisfaction.
Why a Knob Makes So Much Sense
At first glance, you might think it’s a volume control — but the volume buttons are still where they’ve always been. That makes this dial feel like a dedicated tool for something Apple holds sacred: the camera.
- Scroll between lenses
- Zoom smoothly with tactile precision
- Manually adjust focus like on a DSLR
- Click by pressing the knob
All this, easily accessible with your index finger when holding the phone in landscape mode. Sure, it’s less practical in portrait orientation — but then again, landscape is the realm of serious photography.
What’s Next for Apple’s Future Lineup?
As we wait for the iPhone 17 to officially drop later this year, buzz is already building around what comes next. Word on the street hints at a super-slim iPhone Air, and Apple’s rumored foldable phone could finally arrive by 2026 or 2027.
While the iPhone 18 with a rotary camera dial remains a concept for now, it’s a compelling vision. In an era where phones feel increasingly alike, maybe a little physical creativity is just what Apple needs to reignite the magic.