Apple iPhone 18 Design Update: Two Reliable Sources Suggest Ditching the Top-Left Selfie Camera Cutout

Evaluating Rumors

0-20%: Unlikely – Lacks credible sources 21-40%: Questionable – Some concerns remain 41-60%: Plausible – Reasonable evidence 61-80%: Probable – Strong evidence 81-100%: Highly Likely – Multiple reliable sources

Current Rumor Assessment Probability: 60%

Source Credibility: 3/5 Corroboration Strength: 3/5 Technical Accuracy: 3/5 Timeline Reliability: 3/5

In a notable turn of events, just a day after a well-known YouTube channel propagated a bold redesign concept for Apple’s anticipated iPhone 18 series, two prominent leakers have emerged to categorically rebut these claims, hinting instead at a more understated design modification.

Debunking the Top-Left Selfie Camera Rumor on the iPhone 18

An illustration shows a diagram with two small punch-hole cutouts on the left, labeled as the iPhone 18 Pro’s front design — Source

Prominent leaker Instant Digital has dismissed the reports suggesting a punch-hole selfie camera on the Apple iPhone 18, calling them “complete misinformation.”A translated Weibo statement elaborates:

“The claim that the iPhone 18 Pro has a punch-hole front-facing camera on the left side is a complete misinformation.

According to my investigation, it began when an English-language media outlet tweeted this. Prior to their mention of the punch-hole, I, alongside media sources in China and South Korea, had already confirmed that the iPhone 18 Pro would feature an under-display infrared sensor on the left side. It appears that this English author misinterpreted the information, mistaking it for a camera. However, the English version has a broader global reach.”

Furthermore, leaker Schrödinger has asserted on X that only the flood illuminator and infrared camera are set to shift to the upper-left corner beneath the display of the iPhone 18. In contrast, both the Dot Projector (Face ID) and selfie camera will remain within the Dynamic Island at the top-center of the screen:

The iPhone is not getting a side camera cutout, I’ve made my final request and here are the results: The Flood Illuminator (IR) and Infrared Camera stay under the display while the Dot Projector and selfie camera stay visible thus enhancing a smaller dynamic island system.pic.twitter.com/dbaReq8Dh7

— Schrödinger (@phonefuturist) January 19, 2026

These assertions starkly conflict with recent statements from Front Page Tech, The Information’s Wayne Ma, and Weibo-based Smart Pikachu, all suggesting a punch-hole selfie camera at the top-left of the display. Notably, The Information even proposed that Apple might eliminate the Dynamic Island altogether in favor of a singular punch-hole design.

Key Specifications and Features of the Apple iPhone 18 Series

Equipped with the A20 Pro chip, utilizing TSMC’s 2nm fabrication technology, WMCM packaging, and advanced super-high-performance metal-insulator-metal (SHPMIM) capacitors.
The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max will boast a larger 6.9-inch screen.
Camera capabilities include an 18MP 6P front camera, a 48MP 7P main camera with variable aperture, a 48MP periscope/telephoto lens, and a 48MP ultra-wide sensor.
The Pro models will have an aluminum casing.
Integration of Apple’s C2 modem and LPD5 12GB RAM will ensure top-tier performance.
Support for innovative 5G-based satellite connectivity is anticipated.
A new burgundy color option is rumored to be in the lineup.
The camera control button may feature only a pressure-sensing layer, removing the capacitive induction layer.
A staggered launch strategy is planned, with releases anticipated between fall 2026 and spring 2027.

For further information and visuals, visit the original source here.