iPhone 18 Pro Gets Hidden Under-Screen Face ID and Top-Left Camera, Here’s What Apple’s Hiding in September 2026

The iPhone 18 Pro is shaping up to be one of Apple’s most radical redesigns in years. According to multiple credible reports from December 2025, the legendary flagship will ditch the iconic notch with under-screen Face ID technology and relocate the front camera to the top-left corner in September 2026. This overhaul represents the biggest visual transformation for the iPhone’s front panel since the introduction of the Dynamic Island.

Under-Screen Face ID Replaces Dynamic Island Forever

For years, Apple fans hoped to see under-display Face ID on their iPhones. Reports from The Information‘s Wayne Ma and Qianer Liu confirm the wait is finally over. By moving the Face ID sensors beneath the display, Apple eliminates the entire “unsightly black oval” that is the Dynamic Island.

The shift unlocks nearly 98% screen real estate across the 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays. This monumental change requires only a small pinhole cutout in the top-left for the selfie camera. Components for under-screen Face ID will be sourced from Canadian company OTI Lumionics, according to recent reports from major tech outlets.

This decision represents a fundamental redesign of the iPhone’s interaction model after a decade of notches and Dynamic Islands. The reduced front sensor footprint provides Apple with more display flexibility for widgets and notifications.

Camera Placement Changes Create New Design Asymmetry

The front camera’s relocation to the top-left corner marks the first time Apple has intentionally placed this component away from center. The move isn’t purely aesthetic—it enables the under-display Face ID sensors to occupy the center space without any physical obstruction.

Some observers worry about the asymmetrical appearance and how it affects video calls and selfies. However, Apple’s decision prioritizes maximizing screen real estate over traditional symmetry. The compact punch-hole design minimizes visual impact compared to the current Dynamic Island notch.

Design continuity remains strong otherwise. The iPhone 18 Pro maintains the same 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes as the iPhone 17 Pro, with the signature plateau camera housing on the rear containing three lenses.

Specification Highlights and Camera Upgrades

Feature	Specification
Release Date	September 2026
Processor	A20 Pro chip (2nm TSMC process)
Performance Boost	~15% faster, 30% better efficiency
Front Camera	Punch-hole in top-left corner
Face ID	Under-display (OTI Lumionics)
Rear Cameras	Variable aperture system supported
Memory	6-channel LPDDR5X (Samsung sourced)
Display Sizes	6.3-inch and 6.9-inch, ~98% screen

The A20 Pro represents a massive leap in computational power. The 2nm process enables 15% faster performance while consuming 30% less power than the current generation. This efficiency boost directly extends battery life, a consistent demand from users.

Variable aperture cameras debut on the iPhone 18 Pro, allowing mechanical control of lens openings. Wide apertures enable superior low-light photography and natural bokeh effects without computational processing. Smaller apertures prevent blown-out highlights during daytime shooting. Manufacturers LG Innotek, Foxconn, Luxshare ICT, and Sunny Optical will supply the necessary components.

Color Options and Design Refinements to Watch

Apple is testing three new color options for the iPhone 18 Pro: burgundy, purple, and brown. Only one will make production, though some sources suggest multiple colors may ship simultaneously. Notably, there won’t be a black option—continuing the iPhone 17 Pro’s departure from traditional color lineups.

The rear Ceramic Shield receives subtle refinements for improved MagSafe charging alignment. The two-tone finish on the previous generation disappears, replaced by a unified manufacturing process that creates seamless color transitions. This modernization enhances the premium feel without major structural changes.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max may be slightly thicker than its predecessor to accommodate a larger battery. Some reports suggest it could become the heaviest iPhone ever, weighing approximately 243 grams—about 10 grams heavier than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

What Makes September 2026 iPhone Launch So Significant for Apple’s Future?

The iPhone 18 Pro launch represents a turning point in Apple’s release strategy. Beginning in 2026, Apple splits its iPhone launches across two events annually—a dramatic shift from the single September event. The Pro models debut in September 2026, while the standard iPhone 18 arrives in early 2027.

This timing aligns with Apple’s foldable ambitions. The iPhone Fold and potentially an iPhone Air second-generation model will ship alongside the iPhone 18 Pro in September. This expanded lineup reflects Apple’s confidence in emerging form factors competing with traditional flagships.

Most significantly, the under-screen Face ID technology validates years of R&D investment. Multiple sources confirm Apple finally solved sensor issues that delayed this feature from 2023 to 2026. The successful implementation on iPhone 18 Pro will define how smartphones look for the next decade.

Sources

• MacRumors – Comprehensive iPhone 18 Pro feature roundup and design confirmations
• The Information – Original reporting on under-screen Face ID and top-left camera placement
• AppleInsider – Detailed technical specifications including A20 Pro, variable aperture, and memory configs