Highlights
- The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to retain the Dynamic Island, but in a smaller form factor.
- Apple is reportedly working on camera miniaturisation tech with the front-facing camera, Face ID dot projector and infrared sensor still housed within the Dynamic Island.
- The lineup may debut in September 2026 with a 24MP selfie camera upgrade.
iPhone 17 Pro displays in the picture. (Image credit – Apple)
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro lineup is once again surfacing in some fresh leaks. Previous speculation was that Apple might completely remove the Dynamic Island in favour of a hole-punch camera with under-display Face ID. However, the latest reports indicate that the feature is here to stay but will get smaller. That’s not all. A Chinese tipster has also revealed that the handset will launch with an enhanced front camera.
iPhone 18 Pro Models Dynamic Island Likely to Stay, But Shrink in Size
According to Bloomberg, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to feature a smaller Dynamic Island.
In addition to Bloomberg’s report, multiple well-known leakers have claimed that Apple plans to shrink the Dynamic Island rather than eliminate it altogether.
iPhone 17 Pro. (Image credit – Apple)
Interestingly, similar rumours surfaced last year about a smaller Dynamic Island on the iPhone 17 Pro. However, when the device launched, the Dynamic Island remained unchanged in size.
Now, to achieve a smaller Dynamic Island for iPhone 18 Pro, Apple is rumoured to move the Face ID dot illuminator beneath the display. At the same time, the company is reportedly working on new camera miniaturisation technology to reduce the size of the front-facing camera module.
Despite these changes, the front-facing camera, Face ID dot projector, and infrared camera are still expected to remain housed within the Dynamic Island and not fully under the display.
Apple is said to be working toward an eventual goal of an iPhone that is essentially a slab of glass without any visible cutouts. That milestone could arrive with the 20th anniversary iPhone expected in 2027. However, such a design is unlikely to debut with the iPhone 18 Pro models in fall 2026.
iPhone 18 Pro Could Get 24MP Selfie Camera
Image credit – Whylab on Weibo.
In a separate development, Weibo user Whylab claims that the rumoured iPhone 18 Pro will feature a 24-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.
For reference, the iPhone 17 series is equipped with an 18-megapixel selfie camera along with Center Stage support. However, the leak does not clarify whether the iPhone 18 Pro will retain Center Stage functionality.
The front camera is expected to remain centrally positioned within the smaller Dynamic Island. This aligns with previous reports that both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will continue to feature a centred front camera placement.
Whylab’s latest post on Weibo.
There are also claims that the Face ID sensor could be repositioned toward the left side of the display. As of now, Apple has not officially confirmed any of these changes, so the details should be taken with caution.
This latest wave of leaks follows reports that the iPhone 18 Pro lineup has entered the production testing phase. Apple is widely expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro series in September 2026. At the same event, the company may also introduce its first foldable iPhone.
FAQs
Q1. Will the iPhone 18 Pro models still have the Dynamic Island?
Answer. Yes, leaks suggest the Dynamic Island will remain but shrink in size, with some Face ID components moved under the display to achieve a smaller cutout.
Q2. What upgrades are expected for the iPhone 18 Pro’s front camera?
Answer. The iPhone 18 Pro is tipped to feature a 24MP selfie camera, an upgrade from the iPhone 17’s 18MP sensor, though Center Stage support is not yet confirmed.
Q3. When is the iPhone 18 Pro lineup expected to launch?
Answer. Apple is widely expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in September 2026, alongside possible announcements like its first foldable iPhone.