The iPhone 18 Pro Leak: What Could Finally Change
- Iphone
- January 16, 2026
- 7
Apple may still be months away from unveiling the iPhone 18 lineup, but a new leak is already stirring serious discussion about what could be one of the most meaningful design shifts in years. According to recent information shared by a well-known leaker, the iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to keep familiar display sizes while introducing a long-rumored feature: under-screen Face ID. If true, this would mark a major step toward Apple’s vision of a cleaner, less obstructed display.
Familiar Sizes, No Surprises There
The leak suggests that Apple is sticking with the current Pro display dimensions. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature a 6.3-inch screen, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max would once again offer a 6.9-inch display. These sizes match those used on the iPhone 17 Pro lineup, signaling that Apple is comfortable with its current form factor.

From a practical standpoint, this makes sense. The size balance between usability and immersion has been well received, and Apple rarely changes display dimensions unless there is a strong reason to do so. Instead of resizing the phone, Apple appears focused on changing what’s inside the display.
Under-Screen Face ID: The Real Headliner
The most significant claim in the leak is that both iPhone 18 Pro models will feature under-screen Face ID. This would mean the TrueDepth sensors used for facial recognition are hidden beneath the display rather than housed in a visible cutout.

If Apple pulls this off, it would be a notable technological achievement. Under-screen biometric sensors have existed on Android devices for years, but Apple’s Face ID system is far more complex than a fingerprint reader. Hiding it without sacrificing speed, accuracy, or security is no small task.
Previous reports from other sources have pointed in the same direction, lending some credibility to the claim. Apple has clearly been working toward this goal for a long time, and the iPhone 18 Pro could finally be the device where it all comes together.
What Happens to the Dynamic Island?
One of the biggest unanswered questions is the future of the Dynamic Island. If Face ID sensors move under the display, the iconic pill-shaped cutout could disappear entirely. However, that does not necessarily mean the Dynamic Island is gone for good.
Apple could choose to keep Dynamic Island as a software feature rather than a permanent hardware element. It might still appear temporarily for Live Activities, navigation prompts, music controls, or battery alerts, even if there is no visible cutout when the screen is idle.

This approach would allow Apple to preserve the functionality users have grown accustomed to while delivering a more immersive, uninterrupted display when it matters most.
The Front Camera Gets a New Home
According to the leak, while Face ID sensors move under the screen, the front-facing camera would remain visible, relocated to a small hole-punch in the top-left corner of the display. This would be a departure from Apple’s long-standing centered camera placement, but it aligns with what many Android manufacturers already do.

From a design perspective, a single camera hole is far less intrusive than a large cutout. Still, Apple’s decision to place it off-center may divide opinion. Some users prefer symmetry, while others will gladly accept the trade-off for more usable screen space.
How the Rest of the iPhone 18 Lineup Fits In
The leak also outlines expectations for the non-Pro models. The standard iPhone 18 is said to feature a 6.3-inch display with a 120Hz LTPO panel and a Dynamic Island. Meanwhile, the iPhone Air 2 would reportedly use a 6.5-inch display, also with 120Hz and Dynamic Island support.
In short, under-screen Face ID would remain a Pro-exclusive feature, reinforcing Apple’s strategy of reserving its most advanced technologies for higher-end models.
Release Timing and Credibility
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max during its usual September launch window. Interestingly, rumors suggest the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 may not arrive until early 2027, which would be an unusual staggered release for Apple.
The source behind the leak has a strong track record, having accurately revealed Apple details in the past. Still, as with all pre-release information, caution is warranted. Apple’s plans can change, and not every prototype feature makes it into the final product.
Why This Leak Matters
If under-screen Face ID becomes reality with the iPhone 18 Pro, it would represent more than a cosmetic update. It would signal Apple’s confidence in blending advanced biometric security with cutting-edge display technology, all while pushing the iPhone closer to a truly all-screen design.
For users, this could be one of those rare upgrades that feels immediately noticeable every time the phone is unlocked. And if Apple gets it right, the front of the iPhone may never look the same again.