It appears that Apple is focusing on transforming its Pro iPhone lineup into a creator’s dream phone. We recently discovered a leak indicating that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are rumored to receive a DSLR-like upgrade with variable sensors.
Now, according to a Weibo post by tipster Whylab, the iPhone 18 Pro models will pack an upgraded 24MP selfie camera. The image shared by the tipster also shows a smaller Dynamic Island, something we have already seen in past leaks. The new Dynamic Island will house the camera, with the TrueDepth sensor and the 3D dot projector hidden under a transparent patch under the display.
Whylab-Weibo
Evolution of recent iPhone selfie cameras
For almost half a decade, Apple has used the same 12MP selfie camera, which it introduced with the iPhone 11 series in 2019. Apple updated the 12MP front-facing sensor with new features, including autofocus and the Photonic Engine for improved low-light performance, with the iPhone 14, but there was no hardware change.
Recommended VideosIt was last year’s iPhone 17 series that got the first major upgrade. Apple added a new 18MP selfie camera sensor with a square design, enabling features like Center Stage, improved selfie framing, and 4K 60fps video recording. The selfie camera update turned out to be a big hit and became one of the key factors driving the upgrade from older iPhones.
Digital Trends
What does it mean for you?
If the leaks are correct, we would see a rare event of front-facing camera upgrades in consecutive years of iPhone launches after a long time. An upgraded front-facing camera will result in improved low-light performance, leading to better selfies and a better video-calling experience. Sadly, rumors suggest the upgrade will be limited to the iPhone 18 Pro pair.
If the rumors turn out to be true, the non-Pro iPhone 18 series models will not get the upgraded selfie cameras or the new variable format sensors. This will mark a departure from Apple’s strategy of using the same front-facing cameras in all its models.