iPhone 18 Pro design rumors debunked by new OtterBox case leak

For months, people have speculated about a major redesign for the iPhone 18 Pro, with talk of a thicker body, a larger battery, and a fresh look. But a recent leak calls those ideas into question.

According to Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman, the iPhone 18 Pro may closely resemble the iPhone 17 Pro, including compatibility with existing cases.

This suggests that the iPhone 18 Pro may look nearly identical to its predecessor.

Gurman shared an image from case manufacturer OtterBox, which has prompted questions about the upcoming device’s design.

The OtterBox case, featuring a blue color, a horizontal camera module, and cutouts for three rear sensors, an LED flash, and a LiDAR scanner, is reportedly designed to fit both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro.

As Gurman put it, the case maker seems convinced that the two phones will be interchangeable, phone-case-wise.

This development refutes earlier reports that suggested the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max would be significantly thicker than previous models due to a larger battery, with capacities rumored to range from 4,056mAh to over 5,000mAh. If the new case fits both models, the anticipated increase in size may not occur.

Internally, the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to retain a triple-camera system, with each sensor reportedly offering 48 megapixels. This includes the primary, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses.

The device is expected to be powered by the rumored A20 Pro chipset and Apple’s C2 modem, which is internally referred to as Ganymede. Ganymede is the largest moon in the solar system and orbits Jupiter.

Apple is expected to announce everything on September 9, 2028, when the iPhone 18 Pro will likely launch along with its first foldable iPhone. So even if the new phone looks familiar, the biggest tech surprise could come from somewhere else.