Apple’s iconic iPhone design may be on the verge of one of its most significant visual changes in years, according to a new report from The Information. If the details shared by reporters Wayne Ma and Qianer Liu prove accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro lineup could mark a major turning point in how Apple approaches the front-facing camera and Face ID system.
Over the years, Apple has gradually evolved the iPhone’s front design. We’ve moved from thick bezels to the notch, and more recently to the Dynamic Island. Despite these changes, one thing has remained consistent: the front-facing camera has almost always been positioned near the center of the display, typically close to the earpiece. That long-standing design choice may soon change.
Face ID Under the Display
According to the report, Apple plans to place the Face ID sensors underneath the display on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. This would eliminate the need for the current pill-shaped cutout used by the Dynamic Island. Instead, the front of the phone would feature a much smaller punch-hole cutout dedicated solely to the front-facing camera.
What’s even more notable is the proposed location of this camera. Rather than sitting in the center of the screen, Apple is reportedly planning to move it to the upper-left corner of the display. This shift would be unprecedented for the iPhone and could significantly alter the phone’s visual identity.
What Happens to the Dynamic Island?
One of the biggest unanswered questions is how this change would affect Dynamic Island, which has become a key part of Apple’s software experience. The report does not clarify whether Dynamic Island will be removed entirely, reimagined, or repositioned.
There are several possibilities. Apple could choose to phase out Dynamic Island altogether if it no longer aligns with the new hardware layout. Alternatively, the feature could remain as a software-only element that appears temporarily in the center of the screen when needed and disappears when not in use. Another option is that Dynamic Island could move closer to the upper-left corner, aligning itself with the new camera cutout. For now, Apple’s exact plans remain unclear.
Familiar Design Elsewhere
Aside from the front-facing changes, the iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to look very similar to their predecessors. The report suggests that Apple will retain the same rear camera layout introduced with the iPhone 17 Pro, including the wide camera “plateau” on the back of the device. This indicates that Apple’s major design focus for this generation will be on the front of the phone rather than a complete overhaul.
Advanced Camera Technology
The report also supports earlier rumors about major camera upgrades. At least one iPhone 18 Pro model is expected to feature a camera with a mechanical aperture. This technology would allow the camera to physically adjust how much light enters the lens, similar to traditional cameras.
A mechanical aperture would enable Apple to use a larger camera sensor, improving low-light photography. In darker environments, the aperture could open wider to capture more light, while in bright conditions, it could close down to prevent overexposure. If implemented successfully, this could represent a major leap forward in iPhone photography and give users more consistent image quality across different lighting scenarios.
Launch Timeline and Future Devices
Apple is reportedly planning to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September 2026. These devices may debut alongside a new folding iPhone and a possible second-generation iPhone Air, signaling an ambitious product lineup for that year.
Interestingly, the standard iPhone 18 may not follow the usual release schedule. Rumors suggest it could launch in the spring of 2027, marking a notable departure from Apple’s traditional September release cycle for all iPhone models.
If these reports are accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro could represent one of the most meaningful design shifts in Apple’s recent history—subtle in some areas, but bold where it matters most.
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