Apple is once again making headlines with the iPhone 18 Pro, and early leaks suggest that this 2026 model could be a significant turning point in iPhone design. According to Jon Prosser of Front Page Tech, the iPhone 18 Pro is moving away from the symmetry Apple has long favored, hinting at a bold step toward a more immersive, all-screen experience. These leaks provide a glimpse at both design changes and technical upgrades, creating excitement among Apple enthusiasts.
Corner Selfie Camera and Minimal Front Cutout
The most striking change in the iPhone 18 Pro is the repositioning of the front camera. Rumors suggest that Apple will move the selfie camera to the top-left corner of the display, replacing the traditional center-aligned placement that has defined iPhones for years. This shift is expected to create more usable screen space and bring Apple closer to a full all-screen experience.
Along with this, the familiar pill-shaped cutout may be replaced by a single, smaller punch-hole design. This change will make the display cleaner and more immersive, offering users a wider, unobstructed view while retaining essential front-facing sensors.
Under-Display Face ID and Smaller Dynamic Island
Apple is reportedly hiding Face ID sensors under the display. This under-display technology allows the iPhone 18 Pro to maintain secure facial recognition without compromising the screen’s aesthetics. Users can continue to enjoy Face ID’s convenience while benefiting from a less intrusive front design.
Dynamic Island is not disappearing but will shrink and shift to the top-left corner, mirroring the front camera placement. The software functionality remains unchanged, but this adjustment will free up additional space for notifications, apps, and multimedia content, making the screen feel larger and less cluttered.
Advanced Rear Camera System
The rear camera setup on the iPhone 18 Pro is also seeing significant upgrades. Apple is reportedly introducing a variable aperture lens, which can adjust like a traditional camera to optimize light capture. This allows for improved low-light photography, more natural background blur in portrait shots, and more accurate colors without heavy software processing.
Leaked details suggest that the Pro Max variant may exclusively feature this camera technology, giving users a reason to opt for the larger model. This separation reinforces Apple’s tiered approach to flagship devices, offering unique advantages in higher-end models.
A20 Pro Chip and Apple C2 Modem
Under the hood, the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature Apple’s new A20 Pro chip, built on a 2nm manufacturing process. This represents a significant leap in efficiency and performance, promising faster app launches, improved multitasking, and lower power consumption compared to previous generations.
The phone may also debut Apple’s second in-house modem, the C2. This modem aims to reduce reliance on Qualcomm while offering better signal control and improved battery efficiency, making it ideal for 5G connectivity and high-speed data tasks.
Simplified Camera Control
Apple is reportedly redesigning the Camera Control button for greater simplicity and durability. The new pressure-based system could replace more complex mechanical components, reducing production costs while improving longevity. Users can expect reliable camera performance with fewer moving parts to wear out over time.
Design Implications and User Experience
The iPhone 18 Pro’s design changes indicate Apple’s careful approach toward an all-screen future. By moving the front camera to the corner, shrinking the Dynamic Island, and hiding Face ID sensors under the display, Apple is increasing usable screen space without sacrificing key functionality.
For users, this translates to a more immersive experience when watching videos, gaming, or multitasking. Portrait shots and selfies may benefit from improved optical performance, while the overall device feels sleeker and more modern.
Expected Specifications at a Glance
- Front Camera: Top-left punch hole
- Face ID: Under-display
- Dynamic Island: Smaller, corner-anchored
- Rear Camera: Variable aperture lens
- Processor: A20 Pro 2nm
- Modem: Apple C2
- Camera Control: Pressure-based
These upgrades reflect Apple’s focus on incremental yet impactful improvements, balancing innovation with reliability.
Why the iPhone 18 Pro Matters
The iPhone 18 Pro may not be a radical departure from previous models, but it signals Apple’s strategic design evolution. By carefully testing under-display Face ID, corner camera placement, and variable aperture technology, Apple is preparing users for the next generation of all-screen devices.
This approach allows Apple to maintain its core user experience while introducing new technologies in a way that feels gradual and intuitive. For long-time fans, the iPhone 18 Pro offers a glimpse of the future without abandoning the familiar iPhone ecosystem.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 18 Pro leaks suggest a significant step toward Apple’s all-screen vision. With a corner selfie camera, under-display Face ID, a smaller Dynamic Island, and a powerful A20 Pro chip, this device combines cutting-edge technology with practical design evolution. While the final design may still change, these leaks indicate that Apple is serious about redefining the iPhone experience in 2026.
Disclaimer
This article is based on leaks and early reports from trusted sources. Specifications, features, and launch details may change before official announcement. Apple has not confirmed any of the information mentioned. Always refer to official Apple channels for verified details.
