Here's What Next Year's iPhone 18 Pro Display Could Look Like
iPhone 18 Pro Display: Two Competing Rumors
Recent reports about the iPhone 18 Pro's design have created confusion regarding the integration of Face ID into the display. Two prominent and generally reliable sources offer conflicting predictions, directly impacting the future of the Dynamic Island and the overall screen appearance.
The Hole-Punch Design: No Dynamic Island?
In May 2025, Wayne Ma from The Information suggested that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a small hole-punch cutout in the top-left corner, solely for the front-facing camera. This implies the absence of a Dynamic Island, unless Apple decides to retain the pill-shaped software interface element in iOS 27.
Based on Ma's report, developer Filip Vabroušek created a concept rendering of this potential design. Note that the iOS version shown in the render is not necessarily reflective of reality.
The Smaller Dynamic Island: A Compromise?
However, Ross Young, VP of Counterpoint Research, countered Ma's prediction, suggesting that the iPhone 18 Pro will still retain a Dynamic Island, albeit a smaller one than its predecessors (iPhone 14 Pro through iPhone 16). This implies the continued presence of visible Face ID elements within the display.
Vabroušek also provided a visualization of this alternative scenario:
Mark Gurman of Bloomberg also supports the idea of a smaller Dynamic Island on at least some iPhone 18 models, further adding weight to this competing narrative. Therefore, multiple sources suggest a smaller Dynamic Island is more likely than a simple hole-punch design.
The All-Screen Future: A 2030 Vision?
Beyond the iPhone 18 Pro, the rumors extend to the 20th-anniversary iPhone (expected in 2027). Initial speculation pointed towards a truly all-screen design, free of any cutouts. However, Young's predictions have shifted this timeline.
Young now believes that the first iPhone with both under-screen Face ID and an under-screen front camera will not arrive until 2030, pushing back the expectation of a completely bezel-less iPhone by five years. This significantly alters the previously held expectations regarding the design evolution of the iPhone.
This discrepancy highlights the complexities and uncertainties inherent in predicting future technological advancements and product designs. Rumors, even from reputable sources, should be approached with a degree of healthy skepticism. The rapid evolution of display technology, combined with Apple's penchant for secrecy, makes definitive statements difficult.
Conclusion: What to Expect
In summary, two distinct scenarios exist concerning the iPhone 18 Pro's display: a hole-punch design without a Dynamic Island, or a design with a significantly smaller Dynamic Island. The truth likely lies somewhere in between these extremes. While a truly all-screen iPhone remains a long-term goal for Apple, consumers should temper their expectations for a completely bezel-less device in the immediate future.
The impact of these design choices is significant. The screen occupies a substantial portion of our interaction with the phone, and even minor alterations can significantly affect user experience. We will have to wait for the official unveiling by Apple to know the final design of the iPhone 18 Pro.
This article, "Here's What Next Year's iPhone 18 Pro Display Could Look Like" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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