Apple is preparing a major design update for its 2026 flagship phones. Reports indicate that the iPhone 18 Pro will feature a significantly smaller front-facing camera, enabled by new HIAA display technology. According to multiple leaks, including from Digital Chat Station, Apple’s engineers are testing ways to minimize the front camera’s visual footprint. This change marks the company’s next big move toward a truly uninterrupted display experience.
What’s Changing and How
Apple’s new approach centers on a process called Hole-In-Active-Area (HIAA), a display manufacturing method pioneered by Samsung and others. This technique involves laser-drilling a tiny camera hole directly into the OLED screen, allowing the lens to sit inside the active pixel area.
Unlike the current Dynamic Island cutout, this innovation could produce a much smaller, cleaner camera aperture. The iPhone 18 Pro’s display may adopt a reduced or repositioned camera layout, signaling a step beyond the 2023 and 2024 models.
Sources say this move also aligns with Apple’s broader vision — to eventually integrate Face ID sensors under the display, paving the way for a completely full-screen iPhone front.
Analysts Weigh In
Industry insiders view Apple’s miniaturization strategy as an essential progression. Tech analysts suggest that shrinking the camera aligns with consumer demand for maximized screen space.
A leading display expert commented:
“Apple’s use of HIAA signals a long-term commitment to seamless screen design. As component sizes shrink, display integration becomes the next competitive frontier.”
Reports also indicate that Samsung Display is assisting Apple in adapting the process for large-scale production, ensuring both image quality and screen durability remain uncompromised.
What It Means for iPhone’s Future
For users, this design change could transform the viewing experience. A smaller camera hole means more usable screen area, fewer distractions, and an overall cleaner aesthetic.
From a product roadmap perspective, this shift is a key milestone toward under-display Face ID, which analysts expect could debut as early as iPhone 19 Pro.
Competitors like Samsung and Xiaomi have already tested similar camera integration techniques, but Apple’s adoption would bring mainstream credibility to the feature.
Expected Launch Timeline
The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is expected to launch in September 2026, following Apple’s typical annual release pattern. Testing for the smaller front camera design is reportedly underway on early prototypes.
As production nears, industry watchers anticipate more concrete evidence through supply chain leaks and display component orders.
If successful, the iPhone 18 Pro could mark the beginning of Apple’s next major design era, moving one step closer to a true edge-to-edge display.
Sources
Sources:
Digital Chat Station (via Weibo leak)
The Elec (Display industry analysis)
MacRumors
9to5Mac
Bloomberg Tech
