Apple might be ready to flip the script on its iPhone design once againโand this time, it could be game-changing.
The upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are rumored to pack a sleek under-display Face ID system and a punch-hole selfie camera, possibly ending the short-lived era of the Dynamic Island. Letโs break down what we know, whatโs likely, and what it could mean for future iPhones.
Redesign
Appleโs big shift is focused on maximizing the screen estateโand itโs about time. According to The Information, the iPhone 18 Pro models will ditch the familiar pill-shaped Dynamic Island that debuted on the iPhone 14 Pro.
Instead, expect a clean, immersive display with just a single punch-hole cutout for the front-facing camera, tucked neatly into the upper left corner.
This tiny design tweak could unlock a whole new visual experience for usersโmore like what Android users have seen for years. If this happens, the screen-to-body ratio will be higher than ever before on an iPhone.
Under Display
Hereโs the real kicker: Face ID will reportedly live under the screen. Thatโs rightโno visible sensors, no black cutoutsโjust screen. This is something Apple has been working toward for years, and if it lands with the iPhone 18 Pro, itโll mark a major leap forward in smartphone design.
DSCCโs Ross Young has also backed this rumor, adding weight to the idea. But this raises a big question: what happens to the Dynamic Island?
Uncertain
Dynamic Island, introduced just a few models ago, was Appleโs creative way to turn a cutout into a feature. But with the cutout gone, will the feature go too?
Thereโs a chance Apple could repurpose the software behind Dynamic Island into something new, maybe through gesture overlays or AI-driven pop-ups. Or, it might quietly retire it as a short-lived experiment. Either way, Apple fans should brace for a visual redesign that feels more โAndroid-likeโ than ever before.
Roadmap
Interestingly, this design evolution doesnโt stop with the iPhone 18 Pro. The report hints at even bigger changes for the 2027 iPhone lineup. Thatโs the 20th anniversary of the iPhoneโand Apple might celebrate it with a truly all-screen device. No holes, no notches, and all the tech (Face ID, front camera) hidden beneath the display.
That would make the iPhone 19 Pro the companyโs first truly edge-to-edge phoneโsomething thatโs been a design fantasy for over a decade.
Hereโs a quick glance at the rumored timeline:
iPhone Model | Year | Notch/Island | Front Tech |
---|---|---|---|
iPhone 14 Pro | 2022 | Dynamic Island | Visible |
iPhone 15 Pro | 2023 | Dynamic Island | Visible |
iPhone 18 Pro | 2026 | Punch-hole | Under-display Face ID |
iPhone 19 Pro | 2027 | None | Full under-display |
Challenges
Now, under-display tech isnโt new. Android brands like ZTE and Samsung have tried it before, but results were… well, hit or miss. Camera quality took a hit, and the display often looked a bit off. So if Appleโs diving in, you can bet theyโve figured out how to maintain quality across the board.
Still, manufacturing this at scale is no small feat. The accuracy of Face ID, brightness of the screen, and the selfie cam’s clarity all need to be top-notch. Otherwise, Apple fans wonโt be forgiving.
Appleโs push toward a seamless screen shows their desire to keep redefining the premium phone experience. With the iPhone 18 Pro expected to introduce under-display Face ID and a minimal punch-hole, the future looks sleeker and more immersive.
Whether Dynamic Island survives or not, one thingโs clearโAppleโs not afraid to shake things up. Letโs just hope they get it right.
FAQs
Will iPhone 18 Pro remove Dynamic Island?
Yes, it may be replaced by a punch-hole camera design.
Is Face ID moving under the screen?
Yes, the iPhone 18 Pro may feature under-display Face ID tech.
What will replace the pill-shaped cutout?
A single punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera.
When will iPhone 18 Pro launch?
Itโs expected in fall 2026, likely around September.
Will iPhone 19 Pro be truly edge-to-edge?
Yes, Apple aims for a full-screen design by 2027.