Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 lineup is shaping up to deliver major front camera and display improvements, with reports now suggesting that the iPhone 18 Pro will feature a smaller hole punch for its selfie and Face ID cameras. Alongside that, all iPhone 18 models, including Apple’s first foldable iPhone, are expected to feature upgraded 24-megapixel front-facing cameras.
According to reliable Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station, Apple is testing a new “hole-in-active-area” display design for the iPhone 18 Pro. This approach uses a precision-drilled opening within the OLED panel to house the front camera while maintaining a more seamless look compared to the current Dynamic Island. The move indicates that Apple might be taking a gradual step toward a full under-display camera system rather than adopting it immediately, as earlier leaks had suggested.
The smaller hole punch could make the iPhone 18 Pro’s front more immersive, reducing the visual interruption without completely hiding the sensors. It remains uncertain whether the device will include under-display Face ID components, but reports point to a noticeable change in the screen’s form factor compared to the iPhone 17 Pro.
In addition to the display tweaks, JP Morgan’s latest equity research report (via MacRumors) claims that Apple’s entire iPhone 18 lineup will feature a 24-megapixel front camera, a leap from the current 18-megapixel setup on the iPhone 17 series. The new sensor, with a square design and a wider field of view, will allow sharper and more detailed selfies with improved portrait accuracy. Apple’s “Center Stage” functionality, which automatically adjusts framing during video calls, is expected to benefit from this upgrade.
The same report highlights that Apple’s first foldable iPhone will also integrate an under-display 24-megapixel inner camera, marking an industry first. This camera reportedly uses six plastic lens elements to improve light transmittance and image clarity, two areas where under-display cameras have traditionally struggled. The foldable will also feature a dual-lens 48-megapixel rear camera setup and a standard front camera for use when folded.
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Fold are expected to launch in fall 2026, the base iPhone 18 and 18e models may arrive later in spring 2027. This new split launch schedule could give Apple more flexibility to refine hardware and ensure its top-end devices debut with cutting-edge features like the smaller hole punch, upgraded sensors, and possibly new cooling systems.
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