The iPhone 18 may be the final Apple smartphone generation where the front-facing selfie camera is visibly exposed on the screen. Expected in 2026, the iPhone 18 series will likely feature a visible punch-hole camera, while Apple’s 2027 models are rumored to adopt a fully under-display camera design, eliminating any visible cut-out entirely.
For users who value a visible front camera, the iPhone 18 may be your last opportunity to experience identifiable hardware on an iPhone.
What We Know About the iPhone 18 Front Camera
- iPhone 18 Pro (2026): Under-display Face ID but still a visible front-camera punch-hole.
- iPhone 19/20 (2027): Fully hidden under-display selfie camera and Face ID, with no visible holes.
Takeaway: The iPhone 18 will likely be a transitional device — the last generation with a front-facing camera clearly visible on the display.
Why Apple Delayed Full Under-Display Cameras
While Android manufacturers have experimented with under-display cameras for years, these early designs often suffered from reduced image quality, including:
- Lower light capture
- Distortion and moiré effects
- Reduced contrast
For Apple, where camera performance is a key selling point, compromising on quality wasn’t an option. By targeting 2027 for full under-display deployment, Apple is allowing technology — including display transparency, sensor algorithms, and computational photography — to mature sufficiently.
During the iPhone 18 generation, Apple plans incremental changes, such as under-display Face ID, while maintaining a visible front camera to ensure consistent image quality.
What This Means for Buyers
For the iPhone 18 series:
- Expect a punch-hole front camera or minimal cut-out instead of a fully hidden sensor.
- The device represents a bridge generation, introducing design innovations without fully hiding the camera.
- Users who prefer visible hardware for reliability, repairability, or aesthetics may find the iPhone 18 ideal.
- Those seeking a truly uninterrupted full-screen experience may need to wait until 2027 models.
Impact on the Smartphone Market
Apple’s transition to fully hidden cameras could:
- Enhance immersive media consumption, gaming, and AR/VR experiences.
- Accelerate under-display camera adoption across competitors.
- Reinforce Apple’s premium design ethos, differentiating it from mid-range or budget devices.
The iPhone 18, therefore, represents both the last iPhone with a visible front camera and a key milestone in evolving smartphone form factors.
Takeaway: If a visible front-facing camera matters to you, the iPhone 18 front camera may be your final opportunity. For a flawless full-screen experience without visible sensors, mark your calendar for 2027.
