Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to feature an off‑center front camera, Face ID sensors hidden beneath the display, and a premium price around $1,399. These changes could mark the most significant redesign of the iPhone line since the removal of the home button, offering a true‑edge screen and a new benchmark for biometric security.
Design Overhaul: Off‑Center Front Camera
The new design moves the front‑facing camera from the center to the upper‑right corner of the display. This shift frees up more uninterrupted screen space, allowing Apple to promote a “true‑edge” experience that rivals recent Android flagships. The layout also aligns with Apple’s broader push toward under‑display technologies.
Under‑Display Face ID Technology
Apple is rumored to embed its Face ID sensors beneath the glass for the first time, eliminating the traditional notch or cut‑out. By placing the infrared dot projector and flood illuminator under the display, the device can maintain biometric security while delivering a cleaner front‑face aesthetic. If realized, this could set a new industry standard for front‑camera integration.
Pricing and Potential Foldable Model
Analysts estimate the iPhone 18 Pro Max will launch at US $1,399, making it one of the most expensive iPhones in Apple’s history. A separate rumor suggests an “iPhone 18 Fold” could appear with a price near US $2,000, hinting at Apple’s possible entry into the foldable smartphone market.
Apple’s Design Evolution
Recent iPhone generations have introduced incremental visual updates—flat edges on the iPhone 12, camera module refreshes on the iPhone 13, and satellite SOS on the iPhone 14. The iPhone 18 series appears poised to combine several of these upgrades into a single, dramatic redesign, potentially paving the way for future under‑display camera systems across Apple’s lineup.
Market Implications
An off‑center camera and hidden Face ID could reshape consumer expectations for iPhone aesthetics, pressuring competitors to accelerate their own under‑display sensor roadmaps. The premium price reinforces Apple’s high‑end brand positioning but may challenge price‑sensitive buyers, especially in emerging markets. A foldable iPhone would directly contest Samsung’s Galaxy Z series and could shift the high‑end smartphone hierarchy.
What’s Next?
Apple typically announces new iPhones in September, with pre‑orders following shortly after. Until an official statement is released, the details above remain speculative, but the convergence of design, technology, and pricing rumors suggests a potentially transformative iteration of the iPhone.
