TechRadar rates biggest iPhone 18 rumors ahead of Apple’s ‘Surprise and shine’ event

TechRadar rated the foldable iPhone Ultra rumor 9/10, making it the most likely report to become real. Leaks cited by the publication describe a passport-style device resembling Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8, with a main foldable display of about 7.8 inches and a cover screen of approximately 5.5 inches. The phone may support MagSafe but is seen as unlikely to have stylus support at launch.

The next most significant rumor, rated 8/10, is that the standard iPhone 18 will not appear at next week’s event. According to leaks that TechRadar says have become more consistent, the base model may instead arrive in March or April, possibly next to the iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2. TechRadar notes such a move would be unprecedented for Apple, but adds that most current leaks point in that direction.

On the camera side, TechRadar said multiple sources, including some it considers well-regarded, have suggested at least one iPhone 18 Pro model could feature a variable aperture lens. That would give users more control over depth of field and could improve low-light performance if the aperture becomes wider. The rumor’s likelihood was put at 7/10.

Battery changes are also rumored. TechRadar cited regulatory filings found by leaker Digital Chat Station indicating that the iPhone 18 Pro could carry a 4,288mAh battery in the US and the iPhone 18 Pro Max a 5,567mAh battery, up from 4,252mAh and 5,088mAh in the corresponding iPhone 17 models. The publication assigned this rumor 6/10, noting that the leaker itself said the figures were questionable and needed verification.

The report also points to design refinements for the Pro models. A unified color treatment for the metal frame and rear glass panel might replace the current two-tone look. Additional leaks from Instant Digital and others mention changes involving the Dynamic Island, but TechRadar’s article did not specify what those would be.