Apple is reportedly planning significant changes to the front design of the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. According to a recent report from The Information, most of the Face ID hardware will be moved under the AMOLED display, leaving only a small hole for the front camera. Notably, the front camera’s position will shift from the center to the upper left corner of the screen.
This radical design shift would mark the biggest change in the iPhone’s front layout since Apple introduced the notch with the iPhone X in 2017. The company then moved to the Dynamic Island feature on the iPhone 14 Pro released in 2022. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 series still uses a pill-shaped cutout design for the front camera and Face ID technology. The adoption of under-display Face ID technology reflects years of development aimed at enhancing screen immersion.
Front Design and User Experience Changes
The transition to an asymmetrical front design with the front camera moved to the top left corner is a departure from Apple’s tradition of centered, symmetrical layouts. This new layout will allow for a cleaner, more immersive display with a wider area dedicated to content. However, this change might require users to adjust, as many iPhone owners are accustomed to a centrally positioned front camera.
Apple’s move to put most Face ID sensors underneath the screen aligns with industry trends toward minimizing visible front-facing camera components. A smaller cutout will likely improve the aesthetic appeal and reduce distractions during use. This design also suggests advancements in display and sensor technologies that can maintain Face ID’s security and accuracy despite being under the panel.
Enhanced Rear Camera with Variable Aperture
Aside from front design changes, the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature notable upgrades to the rear camera system. The primary rear sensor is rumored to receive a variable aperture lens, a technology that allows the device to physically adjust how much light enters the camera. This change will enhance the phone’s photographic capabilities, especially in low-light conditions.
The variable aperture will help control the depth of field more precisely, enabling more natural bokeh effects for portrait shots. It also promises better performance when shooting at night or in dim environments. This upgrade reflects Apple’s focus on remaining competitive in smartphone photography by offering versatile hardware improvements.
Summary of iPhone 18 Pro Key Changes
- Move Face ID hardware under the AMOLED display
- Shift front camera to upper left corner from center
- Adopt asymmetrical front design for a larger usable screen area
- Introduce rear camera with variable aperture for better light control
- Maintain or improve Face ID security with new sensor placement
Additional Developments: Foldable iPhone and New Color Options
The same report covers Apple’s work on its first foldable iPhone, expected alongside the iPhone 18 series in September 2026. This device will feature a 5.3-inch screen when folded and expand to 7.7 inches when open. The folded form will have a different aspect ratio—close to 2:3—while the unfolded screen approaches a 4:3 ratio. This design could offer better one-handed usability compared to existing foldables.
Apple may also introduce new color variants for the iPhone 18 Pro, although rumors suggest that the classic black option might be discontinued. These changes signal Apple’s broader strategy to refresh its flagship lineup with bold design and technology innovations in the upcoming product cycle.
Apple’s plans for the iPhone 18 Pro series reflect a mix of experimental design shifts and practical camera improvements. Moving camera and Face ID sensors under the screen alongside the introduction of variable aperture technology demonstrates Apple’s efforts to balance aesthetics, usability, and photo quality. The launch of the foldable iPhone will further diversify the company’s portfolio and push forward its innovations in smartphone form factors.
These changes could influence the smartphone market by raising the bar for display design and camera capabilities. As the release date nears, more concrete details are expected to emerge, spotlighting how Apple executes these ambitious enhancements.
