iPhone 18 Pro Rumors: Under-Screen Face ID, Variable Aperture, and Samsung Image Sensor Expected

Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max may feature under-screen Face ID, variable aperture on the main camera, and a new three-layer stacked image sensor from Samsung. The under-screen Face ID could lead to a smaller Dynamic Island, while the variable aperture offers more control over depth of field. The new image sensor aims to improve camera response and reduce noise. These features could make the iPhone 18 Pro models distinct from their predecessors and may be enough to convince some fans to skip the iPhone 17 Pro.

Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, set to launch in the near future, are rumored to feature several innovative technologies that could differentiate them from their predecessors. Key among these are under-screen Face ID, variable aperture on the main camera, and a new three-layer stacked image sensor from Samsung.

Under-screen Face ID is expected to debut on the iPhone 18 Pro models. Display industry analyst Ross Young initially predicted this feature for the iPhone 17 Pro models, but recent reports suggest a delay until the iPhone 18 Pro [1]. This technology could lead to a smaller Dynamic Island, a feature that has been prominent in recent iPhone models.

The main 48-megapixel Fusion camera on both iPhone 18 Pro models is rumored to offer variable aperture, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Variable aperture allows users to control the amount of light that reaches the camera's sensor, potentially providing greater control over depth of field [1]. While the impact of this feature on iPhones' smaller image sensors remains unclear, it could offer users more control over their photos.

Samsung is developing a new three-layer stacked image sensor for the iPhone 18 Pro models, which could make the camera more responsive and reduce noise in photos [1]. This sensor is expected to be manufactured in Texas, marking a shift in Apple's supply chain strategy.

These features could make the iPhone 18 Pro models distinct from their predecessors and may be enough to convince some fans to skip the iPhone 17 Pro. However, the impact of these features on the market remains to be seen.

References:
[1] https://www.macrumors.com/2025/08/08/iphone-18-pro-rumored-features/
[2] https://www.businessworld.in/article/apple-iphone-17-pro-india-made-flagship-poised-to-slip-past-trumps-tariff-net-566436