The newly surfaced image of what is believed to be an iPhone 18 Pro prototype has quickly spread online, fueling speculation. Some observers even suggest it could be the final entirely new iPhone line developed under CEO Tim Cook before his departure.

Based on the image, the Dynamic Island appears visibly smaller than on current models. While its authenticity has yet to be verified, the design aligns with earlier leaks of the iPhone 18 Pro Max, which also indicated a reduction of roughly one-quarter to one-third in the display cutout.

If realized, this would mark a significant aesthetic improvement and enhance the display experience - something iPhone users have anticipated for years.

Supply chain sources suggest Apple is working to shrink the Dynamic Island by moving part of the Face ID system beneath the display. Specifically, the infrared illuminator could be fully hidden under the screen, while the front camera and dot projector remain within a smaller pill-shaped cutout.

To achieve this without compromising sensor accuracy, Apple is reportedly employing laser micro-drilling technology. This method allows light to pass precisely through display layers, ensuring Face ID continues to function effectively.

This move is seen as a strategic step toward Apple’s long-term goal of creating a truly full-screen iPhone, potentially arriving with the iPhone 20 in the future.

A range of notable upgrades

Beyond the design changes, the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to retain a design language similar to the iPhone 17 Pro, while introducing significant internal upgrades.

The most notable is the introduction of a variable aperture main camera, a first for the iPhone. This technology allows users to control the amount of light entering the sensor, enabling better depth-of-field control, more natural background blur, or sharper full-scene images when needed.

In addition, the A20 Pro chip, manufactured using TSMC’s 2nm process, is expected to deliver a major leap in both performance and energy efficiency. This could represent one of the most significant hardware upgrades in years, helping the iPhone maintain its competitive edge against high-end Android devices.

Following Apple’s typical schedule, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are likely to be unveiled in September 2026. Notably, the event could mark the first time John Ternus takes the stage as a new leader, following Tim Cook’s departure as CEO.

This leadership transition may signal not only a change in personnel but also the beginning of a new chapter in Apple’s product strategy, especially as the company pursues transformative innovations such as the full-screen iPhone.

If these leaks prove accurate, the reduction of the Dynamic Island will represent more than just a design tweak - it will reflect Apple’s long-term ambition to eliminate all visible display interruptions.

Combined with a 2nm chip and an advanced camera system, the iPhone 18 Pro could become one of Apple’s most significant upgrades of the decade. However, definitive answers will have to wait until the September 2026 launch event, where all will be revealed.

Hai Phong