iPhone 18 Pro to Feature Radically Smaller Front Camera, Reports Claim

Apple is planning a significant design change for its 2026 flagship phones. The iPhone 18 Pro models will feature a much smaller front-facing camera. This change is reportedly enabled by new display technology.

According to sources including the leaker Digital Chat Station, Apple is testing advanced camera miniaturization. This move aims to reduce the visual intrusion of the front camera on the screen.

How New Display Tech Enables the Design Shift

The key innovation is a technique called HIAA, or Hole-In-Active-Area. This display manufacturing process was developed by Samsung and others. It allows for a tiny camera hole to be laser-drilled directly into the OLED screen.

This method integrates the camera into the pixel area. The result is a single, ultra-compact aperture. This is a major step beyond the current Dynamic Island design.

The smaller hole could lead to a redesigned screen shape. It may allow Apple to shrink the Dynamic Island or reposition the camera entirely. This aligns with recent rumors of a smaller Dynamic Island on future Pro models.

The Broader Impact on iPhone’s Future Design

This camera change is part of a larger design evolution. It paves the way for a future where both the camera and Face ID sensors are completely hidden under the display. Such a design would offer a truly uninterrupted screen.

For consumers, this means more usable screen real estate. It represents a tangible step towards a full-screen iPhone front. The pursuit of a seamless display remains a key goal for smartphone makers.

Industry analysts see this as a necessary progression. As screen technology advances, components must become less obtrusive. Apple’s adoption of HIAA signals a commitment to this principle.

The move to a smaller front camera on the iPhone 18 Pro marks a clear design advancement. This change directly addresses user desires for larger, cleaner displays. It sets the stage for the next era of iPhone innovation.

Thought you’d like to know

What is HIAA technology?

HIAA stands for Hole-In-Active-Area. It is a precision laser-drilling technique for displays. It creates a very small hole for the front camera within the screen’s pixels.

Will the iPhone 18 Pro have a smaller Dynamic Island?

Reports suggest a smaller Dynamic Island is likely. The reduced camera size could allow for this change. The overall screen shape is expected to evolve as a result.

When is the iPhone 18 Pro expected to launch?

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are anticipated in September 2026. This follows Apple’s traditional fall launch schedule for its flagship phones.

Does this mean under-display Face ID is coming?

This camera change is a step in that direction. However, separate reports indicate under-display Face ID is also in development. The two technologies are expected to converge eventually.

Who reported on this camera change?

This information comes from the leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo. Their claims are often cited in industry reports concerning Apple’s supply chain and prototyping.