Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro could mark the end of the notch and Dynamic Island, with under-display Face ID and a single hole-punch camera tipped for 2026.
Leaks suggest Apple plans to remove the notch and Dynamic Island from the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, replacing them with under-display Face ID sensors and a pinhole selfie camera.
This would deliver a cleaner, uninterrupted screen experience, something fans have long requested. Reliable sources, including Digital Chat Station on Weibo, claim Apple has locked in these upgrades for its 2026 flagship models.
This matters because the notch has been part of the iPhone’s identity since the iPhone X in 2017. Apple later introduced Dynamic Island with the iPhone 14 Pro, turning a cutout into a functional interface.
Losing both features would be a major design departure, signalling Apple’s confidence in embedding sensors beneath the display without compromising Face ID reliability. This means more immersive viewing and a sleeker aesthetic.
Despite the big design change, Apple is expected to keep the same 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes for the Pro and Pro Max. This continuity allows engineers to focus on sensor integration rather than screen dimensions.
The standard iPhone 18 models, however, may retain the notch, keeping the Pro line as the showcase for Apple’s most advanced tech.
We know design changes often spark debate. Some users will miss the Dynamic Island’s interactive features, while others will welcome a cleaner front panel. Apple could offset this by enhancing iOS with new gestures or software cues.
For everyday use, the shift promises better video playback, gaming immersion, and reading comfort.
Samsung and other Android rivals have already experimented with under-display cameras, though results have been mixed. Apple’s move suggests it believes the technology is finally mature enough for mainstream adoption.
If successful, the iPhone 18 Pro could set a new benchmark for smartphone design, much like the iPhone X did nearly a decade ago.
