Introduction
Exciting leaks suggest Apple is finally bringing a radical design overhaul with the iPhone 18 Pro hole-punch selfie camera and under-display Face ID technology. If true, this would mark Apple’s most significant front-facing design change since it introduced the Dynamic Island with the iPhone 14 Pro series.
Goodbye Dynamic Island, Hello HIAA Technology
According to reliable tipster Digital Chat Station and reports from MacRumors, Apple plans to adopt Hole-in-Active-Area (HIAA) technology for the iPhone 18 Pro models launching in 2026. The HIAA approach allows only the selfie camera hole to remain visible, while the Face ID components are hidden under the display. This will eliminate the need for the current pill-shaped Dynamic Island cutout.
Display Details: Same Size, Cleaner Look
The display specifications are expected to be:
- 6.27-inch LTPO OLED display for iPhone 18 Pro
- 6.86-inch LTPO OLED display for iPhone 18 Pro Max
- 1.5K resolution with improved power efficiency
These details were further supported by The Verge reporting similar panel sizes and technology upgrades.
How Under-Display Face ID Might Work
Embedding Face ID under the display is extremely challenging, especially for Apple’s complex sensor array that includes infrared flood illuminators, dot projectors, and cameras. However, Apple seems to have made significant progress. Multiple industry insiders suggest Apple has been testing this design for years, preparing to debut it in 2026 with the iPhone 18 Pro models.
Samsung and Chinese brands like Oppo have experimented with under-display cameras, but Apple’s solution for Face ID is more sophisticated and likely to offer uncompromised biometric performance.
Dynamic Island’s Future: Obsolete or Software Only?
With the hardware cutouts shrinking, Apple may still maintain some form of Dynamic Island UI animation purely in software. However, many expect Apple will finally phase out the Dynamic Island completely on the iPhone 18 Pro models while keeping it on non-Pro versions for another generation.
Expert Opinions on the iPhone 18 Pro Design Shift
Industry expert Ross Young confirmed that these new display designs are in the final development stages. According to India Times, Apple’s approach may once again set the benchmark for future smartphone design.
Internal & External References
Conclusion
If these leaks hold true, Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro will feature the most futuristic design yet. With a minimal hole-punch for selfies and completely hidden Face ID sensors, Apple continues to refine the ultimate full-screen iPhone experience while maintaining its industry-leading security. As always, stay tuned to The Morning News Informer for the latest confirmed updates as we move closer to the iPhone 18 Pro launch in 2026.