TL;DR
Leakers and reports outline likely iPhone 18 display plans, details of Apple’s use of Google’s Gemini tech for Siri, and a display-driven battery boost for the iPhone Air 2. Timelines for Siri upgrades are staggered, with some changes due in spring and others expected to surface at WWDC or later in the year.
What happened
This week’s rumor roundup centers on three threads. First, a leaker known as Digital Chat Station shared display-scheme details for the iPhone 18 lineup: screen sizes reportedly match last year’s models, with the iPhone 18 and Air 2 keeping the standard Dynamic Island while the 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max get a different cutout. Second, reporting about Apple’s partnership with Google to use Gemini-based models for Siri says Apple will fine-tune the underlying model, deliver more conversational responses, and avoid surface-level branding that credits Google or Gemini. The Information’s coverage indicates some Siri features will arrive in spring while others will be previewed or launched around WWDC and into the fall. Third, The Elec reports Apple may use CoE display technology in the iPhone Air 2 (and reportedly the Fold), enabling thinner, brighter panels and likely freeing internal space that could be used for a larger battery.
Why it matters
- A new Pro-only display cutout would further separate the iPhone Pro models from standard models in hardware design.
- Using Gemini tech for Siri could materially change how conversational and context-aware Apple’s assistant becomes.
- Apple’s ability to fine-tune Gemini suggests Siri’s behavior and privacy posture will be controlled by Apple rather than presenting third-party branding.
- Display manufacturing advances such as CoE could translate into longer battery life if Apple uses the extra internal space for larger cells.
Key facts
- Digital Chat Station’s leak indicates iPhone 18, Air 2, 18 Pro, and 18 Pro Max share the same screen dimensions as last year’s models.
- The iPhone 18 and Air 2 are expected to retain the standard Dynamic Island design.
- The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are reportedly slated to receive a different display cutout than the standard Dynamic Island.
- The Information reports Apple will use Google’s Gemini-based technology to power new Siri features, with Apple able to fine-tune the model.
- Siri’s upgraded responses are described as more conversational and thorough, similar to other advanced chat models, and won’t include explicit Google or Gemini branding.
- Some Siri features are said to roll out in spring; others are expected to be previewed at WWDC in June or arrive later in the year.
- The Elec reports Apple is exploring CoE display technology for the iPhone Air 2 and the iPhone Fold, which could produce thinner, brighter displays.
- The extra internal space from a thinner display layer could be used to increase battery capacity in the iPhone Air 2.
What to watch next
- iOS 26.4 release notes and spring software updates for the first wave of Siri improvements.
- WWDC in June for previews or announcements of additional Siri features that are expected later in the year.
- Confirmation of the exact Pro cutout design (reports suggest a different cutout and speculation about a top-left hole-punch), not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Dynamic Island: Apple’s software-driven display area around front-facing sensors that expands and adapts to show system and app information.
- Gemini: A family of large language and multimodal models developed by Google; in this context, Apple plans to use Gemini-based tech as part of Siri’s backend.
- CoE display technology: A display manufacturing approach reported to allow thinner, brighter panels, potentially freeing internal space inside a device.
- WWDC: Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, an annual event where the company typically previews major software and developer-focused features.
Reader FAQ
Will iPhone 18 models change screen sizes from last year?
According to the leak cited, screen dimensions for the iPhone 18 lineup match last year’s models.
Are Pro iPhone 18 models getting a new cutout instead of Dynamic Island?
Reports say the 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max will have a different cutout while the standard 18 and Air 2 keep the Dynamic Island.
When will Siri’s Gemini-powered features arrive?
Some features are slated for spring, with additional capabilities expected to be previewed at WWDC in June and rolled out later in the year.
Will the iPhone Air 2 get a bigger battery?
The Elec reports that CoE display tech could free space that Apple may use for a larger battery, but final design choices have not been confirmed.
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Sources
- Rumor Replay: iPhone 18 display leaks, Siri’s Gemini tidbits, more
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