iPhone 18 Pro Display Sizes, Under-Screen Face ID Leaked
Apple fans finally have a clearer picture of what to expect from the iPhone 18 Pro lineup—and it’s shaping up to be one of the most transformative redesigns in years. According to a fresh leak from trusted Chinese source Digital Chat Station, both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will retain the same screen sizes as their predecessors: 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively. But the real headline? The long-rumored under-screen Face ID is reportedly making its debut, eliminating the need for Apple’s signature pill-shaped cutout entirely.
Same Screen Sizes, Bigger Visual Impact
While display dimensions remain unchanged from the iPhone 17 Pro models, the visual experience could feel dramatically different. Without the Dynamic Island—a feature introduced in 2022 that housed the front-facing camera and sensors—the entire screen becomes truly edge-to-edge. That means more immersive video viewing, cleaner UI layouts, and a sleeker aesthetic that aligns Apple closer with Android rivals who’ve already embraced under-display cameras. For users craving minimal bezels and maximum screen real estate, this shift could be a game-changer.
Under-Screen Face ID: The Holy Grail of Smartphone Design
For years, Apple has prioritized security over screen aesthetics, sticking with visible Face ID hardware even as competitors experimented with hidden sensors. Now, it appears Apple has cracked the code. Under-screen Face ID would embed infrared projectors and dot matrix sensors beneath the OLED panel itself—allowing facial recognition to work without compromising the display’s integrity. If implemented well, this technology could set a new benchmark for secure, seamless authentication in premium smartphones.
Front Camera Moves to Top-Left Corner
Interestingly, the front camera won’t vanish—it’s simply relocating. Multiple sources, including last month’s report from The Information, confirm the selfie shooter will shift to the top-left corner of the screen. This small circular cutout (think Android-style punch-hole) would be far less intrusive than the current pill-and-dot setup. While purists may lament the loss of the Dynamic Island’s interactive features, many users will welcome the return of a truly symmetrical, unbroken display.
Why This Matters Beyond Looks
This isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about user experience. Removing the Dynamic Island opens up design possibilities for apps, games, and system interfaces. Developers could finally utilize the full top portion of the screen without awkward workarounds. Plus, with under-screen biometrics, Apple edges closer to its vision of a “borderless” iPhone, a concept CEO Tim Cook has hinted at in past keynotes. The move signals Apple’s confidence in its sensor miniaturization and display transparency tech.
Timing and Reliability of the Leak
The leak comes from Digital Chat Station, a Weibo account with a solid track record on Apple hardware rumors—particularly around display specs and supply chain details. While nothing is confirmed until Apple’s official unveiling (likely September 2026), the consistency across multiple reports—including corroborating intel from The Information—lends strong credibility. Given Apple’s typical development cycle, core hardware decisions like display size and sensor placement are usually locked in by early January.
What This Means for the iPhone 17 Pro Buyers
If you’re holding out for the iPhone 18 Pro, this leak offers compelling reasons to wait. The jump from iPhone 17 Pro to 18 Pro may be more significant than the usual annual upgrade—especially if you value screen purity and cutting-edge biometrics. However, if you need a phone now, the iPhone 17 Pro remains an excellent device, with its own suite of AI-powered features and a refined titanium build. But for early adopters and design enthusiasts, 2026 might be the year to skip a cycle.
A Strategic Shift Toward True Full-Screen Design
Apple’s move reflects a broader industry pivot. Samsung, Xiaomi, and Oppo have all showcased under-display cameras in flagship or concept devices, though with mixed results on image quality and sensor reliability. Apple’s entry into this space suggests it has solved key technical hurdles—like maintaining front-camera clarity while ensuring Face ID works flawlessly through layers of glass and pixels. That engineering feat could give Apple a decisive edge in the premium market.
Potential Trade-Offs to Watch
Of course, innovation often comes with compromises. Early under-display cameras on Android phones suffered from hazy selfies and reduced brightness over the sensor area. Will Apple’s solution avoid these pitfalls? And what happens to Dynamic Island’s utility—like music controls, timers, and Live Activities—if it disappears? Apple may replace it with software-based overlays, but user adaptation could take time. These are questions only hands-on testing will answer.
How This Fits Into Apple’s Larger Vision
The iPhone 18 Pro’s rumored design aligns with Apple’s long-term goals: seamless integration of hardware and software, enhanced privacy through on-device biometrics, and a minimalist industrial aesthetic. It also sets the stage for future AR/VR integrations, where unobstructed displays and advanced facial tracking become essential. In many ways, the under-screen Face ID isn’t just a feature—it’s a foundational step toward Apple’s next computing era.
A New Chapter for iPhone Design
After nearly a decade of refining the notch and then the Dynamic Island, Apple appears ready to retire its most recognizable front-end feature in favor of something bolder. The iPhone 18 Pro’s combination of familiar screen sizes with revolutionary under-display tech strikes a smart balance—offering continuity for loyal users while delivering genuine innovation. As we head into 2026, all eyes will be on Cupertino to see if Apple can pull off what many thought impossible: a secure, beautiful, and truly full-screen iPhone.
