Following several generations of minor refinements, reports suggest the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro line will usher in sweeping changes - most notably a hidden Face ID system and a new camera feature that could significantly enhance photography.

Under-display Face ID: The end of Dynamic Island?

Multiple trusted sources indicate that Apple could embed Face ID sensors beneath the display on the iPhone 18 Pro, effectively eliminating the need for the current “Dynamic Island” design first introduced on the iPhone 14 Pro.

Though this rumor has surfaced before, its persistence signals Apple may be seriously moving in this direction.

A report by The Information reveals that while Face ID may be hidden under the screen, the front camera would remain visible - relocated to the upper left corner in a small punch-hole cutout.

If this materializes, it would mark a revolutionary change in the iPhone’s front design - perhaps the most significant since the iPhone X removed the physical home button in 2017.

A cleaner, more seamless screen would align with Apple’s long-term goal of a “true full-screen” iPhone.

Notably, several Android phone makers have experimented with under-display cameras in recent years, although quality has remained inconsistent. Apple’s version would likely aim for a higher standard.

Variable aperture camera: Apple’s next leap in mobile photography

On the back of the device, Apple is rumored to be upgrading at least one of its rear cameras with a variable aperture lens powered by a mechanical iris.

This tech allows the camera to automatically adjust its aperture based on lighting conditions - letting in more light in darker environments while reducing overexposure during the day.

Such an upgrade could dramatically improve photo quality, especially in complex lighting scenarios, and help Apple better leverage next-generation camera sensors.

While variable aperture isn’t a new concept - Samsung deployed it on some earlier Galaxy models - Apple may integrate the feature more seamlessly with its image processing software, offering a smoother and more intuitive user experience.

Performance: A20 Pro chip and cutting-edge 2nm process

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to debut in September 2026, powered by the all-new A20 Pro chip.

This chip will likely be built on TSMC’s advanced 2nm process, delivering a leap in performance and energy efficiency.

One standout detail is a rumored new packaging technology that integrates RAM directly onto the same wafer as the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine.

This approach could reduce latency, improve speed, and allow Apple to shrink chip size - freeing up valuable internal space for a larger battery or new components.

What replaces Dynamic Island?

Dynamic Island has been praised as one of Apple’s smartest recent design solutions - transforming a hardware constraint into a useful interface element.

Eliminating it would undoubtedly leave a gap in how users interact with key functions.

However, given Apple’s history of software innovation, many believe the company will introduce a new UI approach to fully utilize the cleaner screen design.

If this comes to pass, the iPhone 18 Pro may represent more than just a hardware upgrade - it could redefine the way users experience and navigate iOS.

If these rumors hold true, the iPhone 18 Pro Max could become one of Apple’s most groundbreaking devices in a decade, blending minimalist design, cutting-edge camera innovations, and powerful new hardware.

Hai Phong