Exciting rumors are beginning to circulate regarding the potential design and display technology for Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models, anticipated in 2026. According to recent leaks from tipsters, these future flagships could mark a significant shift away from the current pill-shaped cutout design, potentially paving the way for a more immersive viewing experience.
The most prominent rumor points to Apple adopting a circular punch-hole cutout for the front-facing camera on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. This would replace the larger, pill-shaped area currently housing both the camera and the complex Face ID sensor array, known as the Dynamic Island. This design evolution is expected to lead to a higher screen-to-body ratio, making the display feel more expansive.
Alongside the design change, potential display sizes have also been shared. The iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to feature a 6.27-inch display, while the larger iPhone 18 Pro Max could sport a 6.86-inch screen. These sizes represent a slight adjustment from the current generation.
Both models are expected to continue utilizing advanced LTPO OLED panels. This technology is crucial for enabling Apple’s ProMotion feature, which provides a variable refresh rate that can dynamically adjust from a power-saving 1Hz up to a buttery-smooth 120Hz, optimizing performance and battery life.
A key technical challenge hinted at by these leaks is the suspected relocation of the Face ID components. While the front camera would reside in the visible punch-hole, the sophisticated infrared sensors, dot projector, and other elements required for secure facial recognition are rumored to be embedded beneath the display. This move aligns with broader industry trends where manufacturers are working towards truly full-screen designs.
Looking even further ahead, whispers suggest that by the iPhone 19 series (potentially coinciding with Apple’s 20th anniversary), the company might aim for a complete “all screen” design on Pro models, eliminating even the punch-hole.
However, implementing under-display technology, particularly for something as critical as Face ID accuracy and performance, presents significant hurdles. There are concerns about potential impacts on recognition reliability or even the quality of images taken by the front camera if components share the same under-screen area. Apple is reportedly testing this technology extensively to overcome these issues.
Adding another layer of complexity, separate reports indicate Apple is actively developing an enhanced display technology, tentatively dubbed ‘LTPO+’, specifically for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. The goal is to build upon standard LTPO to achieve further improvements, primarily in power efficiency. This development is seen as Apple’s strategy to re-establish display differentiation between its Pro and standard iPhone models, as the standard iPhone 17 series is rumored to adopt regular LTPO.
The ‘LTPO+’ technology is reportedly still in its early development stages. Bringing a new display tech like this to mass production is a massive undertaking, potentially requiring billions in investment from key suppliers like Samsung and LG. If development or manufacturing encounters significant roadblocks, there’s a possibility the iPhone 18 Pro models might ship with standard LTPO instead of the planned ‘LTPO+’.
Given that these details pertain to devices several years away, it’s important to treat these leaks and rumors as speculative. Apple’s plans could certainly evolve as development progresses and technical challenges are addressed. Nevertheless, the potential move to a punch-hole design and under-display Face ID signals Apple’s continued push towards an unblemished, full-screen iPhone experience in the future.
