Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro has entered mass production testing in preparation for its release later this year. The news comes from the Weibo account "Dingjiao Digital", which claims that the iPhone 18 Pro series models have begun "mass production testing." This is likely to refer to the post-production verification process before official mass production, paving the way for the expected release in September.
According to Apple's usual product rhythm, February each year usually corresponds to the transition stage from design verification test (DVT) to early production verification test (PVT). During this period, Apple will activate the molds and some factory lines required for mass production, and verify the manufacturing process, yield rate, and quality control through actual trial production, without immediately mass-producing finished machines. The current progress of the iPhone 18 Pro series means that its overall development and production pace is basically in line with expectations, laying the foundation for full mass production in the summer and launch in the fall.
The tipster also said that the standard version of iPhone 18 has also started production-related testing. However, since this relatively entry-level model is not expected to be officially released until early next year, it is more likely to still be in the mid- to late-stage Engineering Verification Test (EVT) or early DVT stage, rather than at the same progress as the Pro model.
In terms of appearance and structure, Fixed Focus Digital said that the overall iPhone 18 series has no major changes in materials, and the overall design specifications basically continue the existing iPhone 17 product line. This statement echoes previous reports: This year’s iPhone 18 Pro will not receive a “major facelift” in appearance, and externally visible adjustments may focus on more detailed changes such as a further reduced “Smart Island”.
Although the appearance changes are limited, the iPhone 18 Pro will still have a number of important upgrades in terms of internal configuration. Current information shows that the new model is expected to be equipped with a new camera system with variable aperture, equipped with a new A20 chip, and Apple’s self-developed C2 custom baseband, which will bring substantial improvements in imaging capabilities, performance and network connection experience. However, some analysts believe that this year’s Pro series may not become the “absolute protagonist” of Apple’s autumn mobile phone launch. According to an earlier opinion by Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, Apple’s first foldable iPhone is more likely to become the focus of this round of product lines, attracting the vast majority of attention.
Based on current revelations and supply chain trends, iPhone 18 Pro is entering the critical stage before mass production as planned. While maintaining a mature appearance design, it will maintain product strength through internal hardware upgrades. As Apple's first foldable phone approaches, the 2026 iPhone product line will focus more on form innovation and new categories, while traditional straight-panel flagships tend to be more robust and iterative.