Apple’s rumored under-display camera and Face ID system for the iPhone 18 Pro may not arrive as soon as expected. Updated reports now suggest that the 2026 flagship could instead feature a smaller display cutout rather than a fully hidden camera setup.
Frequent — though sometimes inconsistent — leaker Digital Chat Station shared new details on the Chinese platform Weibo. According to their latest post, Apple is testing a “hole-in-active-area” (HIAA) design. This approach involves a precision-drilled opening within the display, providing the front-facing camera with a direct, unobstructed view while minimizing the visible screen disruption.
Previously, Digital Chat Station claimed that Apple planned to remove the Dynamic Island entirely in favor of an under-display camera and Face ID system. The latest information, however, suggests that this transition may still be a year or more away.
The leaker also mentioned earlier speculation about design and hardware upgrades. These include a variable aperture camera and a semi-transparent back glass panel. Interestingly, the new post refers to the iPhone 18 Pro’s battery being “wrapped in stainless steel for the first time,” though this description is confusing. The iPhone 17 Pro Max already uses a stainless-steel vapor chamber in its cooling system, so it’s possible that this latest rumor is about refinements to Apple’s heat dissipation technology rather than a new battery design.
As usual, Digital Chat Station’s posts are brief and subject to imperfect translation, meaning details can be murky. Still, the claim of a smaller display punch aligns with Apple’s ongoing efforts to move toward a truly uninterrupted screen. If accurate, this development could mark one of the final steps before the debut of a fully under-display Face ID and camera system.
