Clarifying iPhone 18 Pro Design: No Left-Side Punch-Hole Camera
Recent discussions surrounding the iPhone 18 Pro’s front design have sparked various speculations, including the possibility of under-display Face ID, a top-left hole-punch camera, and alterations to the Dynamic Island feature. A new leak has emerged, aiming to clarify these rumors and address the origins of the confusion.
Debunking the Hole-Punch Camera Claim
A Weibo-based leaker, Instant Digital, has provided new insights and images that challenge the notion of a left-side hole-punch camera. According to this source, reports suggesting a left-side camera are complete misinformation. The leaker explained that initial coverage in Chinese and Korean media mentioned an infrared component being relocated under the display on the left side. However, an English-language report misinterpreted this detail, describing it as a visible front camera cutout.
Instant Digital emphasized that an English outlet thought it was a camera when it was not, leading to widespread dissemination of this error and transforming the narrative into something more sensational than the original claim.
Accompanying images reveal a Face ID assembly consisting of three parts on a single flex cable:
– The infrared flood illuminator positioned on the left.
– The dot projector and infrared camera remaining centered.
This configuration is significant because the flood illuminator, being smaller and simpler than the other components, is the most suitable candidate for placement under the display, likely in the top-left area. The other two components still require a clear path, suggesting a smaller, centered Dynamic Island rather than a side hole-punch.
Dynamic Island: A Likely Reduction, Not Removal
Previous reports claimed that Apple would move the front camera to the top-left corner and eliminate the pill-shaped cutout. The new leak contradicts this idea, framing the change as internal rather than a bold external redesign.
In essence, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are not expected to feature a left-side punch-hole camera. The visible change appears to be limited to a reduced Dynamic Island, facilitated by shifting the infrared flood illuminator under the display.
Additional Support from Leakers
The leak has garnered support from ShrimpApplePro on X, who stated, Always western media messed up the info. This sentiment echoes the view that a mistranslation transformed a minor sensor relocation into a major design rumor.
Another post reiterated the core point, stating that the claim of a left-side camera is a complete misconception. The actual description pertained to an under-display infrared sensor, not a new camera cutout.
Apple is anticipated to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro lineup in September. If no new leaks contradict this information, the front display narrative now appears less dramatic and more settled.
