Fresh iPhone 18 Pro renders reveal a radical shift: the centred Dynamic Island is gone. Apple is relocating the selfie camera to a discreet top-left punch-hole, enabled by invisible under-display Face ID sensors.
This Pro-exclusive look breaks years of symmetry, finally delivering the immersive “all-screen” experience fans have been waiting for.
This design shift originates from recent renders by Jon Prosser, which align with long-term display roadmaps from analyst Ross Young.
Supporting reports from The Information and Digital Chat Station cite internal supply-chain data regarding under-display Face ID components.
These consistent leaks suggest Apple has finalized this corner-camera prototype for the 2026 Pro line-up.
Why Apple Is Moving Face ID Under the Display In iPhone 18 Pro
Apple is reportedly ditching the centre-aligned Dynamic Island to achieve a more immersive “all-screen” feel.
By shifting the camera to the top-left corner, the lens effectively “disappears” into the peripheral black bars during 16:9 video playback and gaming, reducing central visual clutter.
Technically, this move is made possible by under-display Face ID, which hides the bulky sensors beneath the glass.
Unlike the symmetrical punch-holes found on most Android devices, this corner placement allows Apple to rethink iOS 26 notifications, anchoring a smaller, shrunken Dynamic Island alongside the system clock.
Traditionally, Face ID requires a “window” (the notch or Dynamic Island) so its sensors can “see” you. Under-display Face ID means Apple has engineered the screen to be selectively transparent.
Using new LTPO+ display technology, Apple can essentially “turn off” specific pixels or use a specialized micro-transparent glass that allows infrared light to pass through the screen.
To the naked eye, the screen looks solid; to the Face ID sensors, it’s like looking through a tinted window.
What This Design Change Means and When It’s Coming
The Dynamic Island isn’t disappearing; it’s being decoupled from the hardware. With Face ID hidden under the display, the “Island” evolves into a purely software-based “Corner HUD.”
Expect it to anchor to the new top-left punch-hole, expanding only when active for notifications or Live Activities.
This transition allows Apple to maintain its signature multitasking UI while finally reclaiming the screen’s centre for immersive content.
This sleek redesign will likely remain a Pro-exclusive feature, while standard models retain the centered pill to distinguish the tiers.
Display Impact: Pros and Trade-Offs
Pros: Relocating the camera creates a seamless, immersive centre for gaming and movies.
Cons: Placing Face ID behind the screen introduces potential “haze” in selfies, slight brightness variations at the sensor site, and minor unlock delays in extreme low-light or off-angle conditions.
The iPhone 17 Pro keeps the centred pill Dynamic Island. The iPhone 18 Pro shifts to a minimalist corner punch-hole, hiding Face ID under the glass. This radical asymmetry provides a truly “all-screen” centre, making it the most significant visual leap for the iPhone in years.
As of January 2026, this corner-camera layout is in active prototyping. While supply-chain lines are being tested, Apple famously pivots if under-display sensor yields or photo quality miss strict standards.
Until mass production begins this summer, treat this as a high-probability leak rather than a final guarantee.
Expect the iPhone 18 Pro in September 2026, likely alongside a new “iPhone Fold.” Future leaks must confirm sensor yield rates and the final iOS 26 “Corner Island” UI.
This shift is the definitive stepping stone toward Apple’s ultimate goal: a completely bezel-free, all-screen iPhone by 2027.
