Apple's iPhone design has remained largely consistent for several years, with the front-facing camera and Face ID sensors housed in a central cutout. However, a new wave of reports suggests a significant shift is on the horizon for the iPhone 18 Pro series. According to recent leaks, Apple is planning to implement an under-display Face ID system, while relocating the front-facing camera to an unconventional position. This change could mark one of the most substantial redesigns to the iPhone's front layout since the introduction of the notch.
The Shift to Under-Display Face ID Technology
The most significant change reportedly coming to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max is the integration of Face ID hardware beneath the AMOLED display. This technology, often referred to as under-display or in-display, would hide the complex array of sensors required for facial recognition, leaving only the front-facing camera visible. This move aligns with industry trends towards maximizing screen real estate and achieving a more seamless, all-screen appearance. While Android manufacturers have experimented with under-display cameras for several years, Apple's approach appears more conservative, opting to hide only the Face ID components initially. This suggests a prioritization of the technology's reliability and performance, which has been a hallmark of Apple's biometric systems.
Reported iPhone 18 Pro Series Front Design Changes:
- Face ID: Components moved under the AMOLED display.
- Front Camera: Remains as a visible cutout, relocated from the center to the upper-left corner of the screen.
- Dynamic Island: Expected to be discontinued due to the new hardware layout.
An Asymmetrical Front Design with a Top-Left Camera
In a departure from Apple's long-standing preference for symmetrical, centered designs, the iPhone 18 Pro is said to feature a single, small cutout for the front-facing camera positioned in the upper left corner of the screen. This asymmetrical layout would be a stark contrast to the current Dynamic Island, which sits in the center of the top bezel. The relocation implies that the iconic "Dynamic Island" software feature, introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro, will likely be retired or significantly reworked. This design choice could be driven by internal component layout constraints introduced by the new under-display Face ID system or a deliberate aesthetic shift to differentiate the Pro models more distinctly.
Potential Camera and Performance Upgrades
Beyond the front-facing changes, the iPhone 18 Pro series is also rumored to receive notable upgrades to its rear camera system. Reports indicate that at least the primary rear camera sensor may gain a variable aperture. This hardware feature allows the lens to physically adjust its opening, providing superior control over depth of field for portrait shots and improving low-light performance by letting in more light. On the performance front, the devices are expected to be powered by a new A20 Pro chip, reportedly manufactured by TSMC using its advanced 2nm process node. This chip is also rumored to utilize an innovative wafer-level multi-chip module packaging technology, which could lead to significant gains in performance efficiency and power consumption.
Anticipated iPhone 18 Pro Hardware Upgrades:
- Chipset: New A20 Pro chip built on TSMC's 2nm process.
- Packaging: May utilize Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WLMCM) packaging for improved performance and efficiency.
- Rear Camera: Primary sensor may gain a variable aperture for better low-light and depth-of-field control.
Context and Broader Product Roadmap
These design changes for the iPhone 18 Pro are set against a backdrop of other anticipated Apple product launches. The same reports that detail the iPhone 18 Pro's new front design also mention Apple's long-rumored foldable iPhone, which is now expected to debut alongside the iPhone 18 lineup in September 2026. This foldable device is said to feature a 5.3-inch external display and a 7.7-inch internal screen, with aspect ratios designed for practicality in both folded and unfolded states. The potential redesign of the iPhone 18 Pro, therefore, appears to be part of a broader cycle where Apple is experimenting with more noticeable hardware innovations across its flagship lineup.
Related Product Timeline (Based on Reports):
| Product | Expected Launch | Key Feature (Rumored) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro / Pro Max | September 2026 | Under-display Face ID, top-left front camera. |
| Foldable iPhone | September 2026 | 5.3" external / 7.7" internal displays. |
Conclusion: A Calculated Evolution
The rumored changes to the iPhone 18 Pro series represent a calculated, if not revolutionary, step in Apple's design philosophy. By moving Face ID under the display, Apple can offer a less intrusive front appearance while maintaining the security and convenience users expect. The decision to keep a visible camera cutout, albeit in a new position, suggests a pragmatic approach to balancing technological ambition with current manufacturing and quality constraints. If these reports hold true, the iPhone 18 Pro will offer a fresh visual identity and meaningful hardware improvements, setting the stage for the next chapter in iPhone design as Apple explores new form factors like its first foldable model.