Apple Tests Smaller Front Camera Design for iPhone 18 Pro

Apple is reportedly testing new camera miniaturization technology to reduce the size of the front-facing camera on the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models. According to a Chinese leaker known as Digital Chat Station, the company is experimenting with a single hole-in-active-area (HIAA) hole punch for the front camera, which is currently housed within the Dynamic Island.

HIAA is a display manufacturing technique developed by Samsung and other display makers that integrates front-facing cameras into OLED panels without occupying significant screen space. This method involves precisely drilling a small hole within the active pixel area using laser micro-drilling, resulting in an ultra-compact aperture.

In May, Digital Chat Station claimed that Apple was testing HIAA technology in conjunction with under-display Face ID for the iPhone 18 Pro models. This aligns with a report by The Information, which suggested that under-screen Face ID was in development and that Apple intended to position the front-facing camera pinhole in the top-left corner of the screen.

The latest report indicates that the device's "screen shape will change" due to the smaller camera hole design. However, it remains unclear whether this means the front camera will be repositioned or if it will remain part of a reduced Dynamic Island. There is also no mention of under-display Face ID in the current information.

Recent reports corroborate claims that the iPhone 18 Pro models will feature a smaller Dynamic Island, suggesting that this could be a more accurate interpretation of Digital Chat Station's latest information.

In addition to the use of HIAA, the leaker reiterated other previously shared details, including a rear lens with variable aperture, the same camera plateau design as the iPhone 17 Pro, and a "transparent design" for the Ceramic Shield area for MagSafe charging. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is also said to feature a "steel-shell battery," likely referring to a stainless steel vapor chamber cooling system that has been previously rumored.

The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, the next iPhone Air, and a foldable iPhone are all expected to be released in September 2026. The iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e could follow in spring 2027 as part of a new split-cycle launch strategy for Apple.