iPhone 18 Pro Dynamic Island rumors were translation errors, according to multiple leakers and a respected former analyst. The pill-shaped cutout will persist in a smaller form rather than disappearing entirely.
Weibo leaker Instant Digital called reports of a top-left corner camera "complete misinformation" in a January 20 post. The confusion originated when English-language outlets mistranslated Chinese and Korean supply chain reports about under-display infrared sensor placement.
Respected display analyst Ross Young corroborated Instant Digital's explanation on X. The former Counterpoint Research VP said the leak aligns with his June 2025 report predicting a smaller Dynamic Island with partial under-display Face ID components.
Young's analysis directly contradicts The Information's December report that Apple would move the selfie camera to the top-left corner. That narrative gained traction this week through YouTube channel Front Page Tech and leaker Jon Prosser's renders.
Technical details reveal Apple will move only the infrared flood illuminator under the display to the top-left corner. The dot projector, infrared camera, and selfie camera will remain in a reduced, centered Dynamic Island.
This gradual approach matches Apple's historical pattern of incremental hardware changes. The company has tested under-display Face ID technology for years but prioritizes performance over rushed redesigns.
Samsung Display and LG Display currently supply the advanced LTPO OLED panels with under-display infrared capabilities Apple requires. Both manufacturers invested heavily in specialized materials to preserve display quality while allowing infrared signals through.
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to launch in September 2026 with the A20 Pro chip. The devices will mark the first step toward fully under-display Face ID while maintaining the Dynamic Island's functionality, following the success of the iPhone 17 lineup.
Industry sources suggest Apple could achieve a single circular camera cutout if infrared sensors successfully move beneath the display. The company continues to balance technical feasibility with design aesthetics across its supply chain.
