Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 series could bring one of the biggest front-camera upgrades in years. According to a new JP Morgan equity research report obtained by MacRumors, the entire flagship lineup is expected to feature 24-megapixel front-facing cameras, a big leap from the 18-megapixel sensors found on this year’s iPhone 17 models.
A Sharper, Smarter Selfie Camera Across the Lineup
The report suggests that all four major models — the iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the second-generation iPhone Air — will benefit from this new 24MP camera system. Apple reportedly plans to launch these devices in September 2026, following its usual annual schedule.
What’s particularly interesting is that Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone could also debut with an under-display 24MP front camera — an industry-first implementation of this technology. The sensor is said to be integrated beneath the inner screen, which would mark a major step forward in Apple’s design evolution.
Meanwhile, Apple’s more affordable models — the iPhone 17e and iPhone 18e — are expected to stick with the familiar 12-megapixel front cameras. The company will reportedly continue with its split-cycle launch strategy, meaning the standard iPhone 18 and 18e won’t arrive until spring 2027 instead of the main fall release window.
Why the Upgrade Matters
Apple was initially rumored to introduce this 24MP front camera with the iPhone 17 series, but it appears the feature was delayed to 2026. The new sensor is expected to deliver sharper selfies, better portrait mode accuracy, and improved low-light performance — areas where Apple has gradually been enhancing with every generation.
For creators and selfie enthusiasts, this should mean clearer details, more natural skin tones, and smoother HDR performance, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Possible Dynamic Island Redesign
Beyond the upgraded sensor, Apple may also be experimenting with changes to its Dynamic Island design. Well-known Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station claims that Apple is testing HIAA (Hole-in-Active-Area) technology — a next-generation display manufacturing method developed by Samsung.
This technique uses laser micro-drilling to create ultra-compact camera holes within the active display area, potentially allowing Apple to shrink the Dynamic Island or reposition the front camera for a cleaner look on the iPhone 18 Pro models.
If successful, the result could be a more immersive front display with minimal cutouts — something iPhone users have been hoping for since the introduction of the Dynamic Island in 2022.
A True Generational Leap
The front-camera overhaul is just one part of what’s shaping up to be a major generational leap for Apple’s 2026 iPhone lineup. Alongside the new selfie sensor, Apple is reportedly working on variable-aperture rear cameras, improved thermal management systems, and AI-powered imaging enhancements — all aimed at pushing mobile photography to new heights.
If these reports hold true, the iPhone 18 series could mark a defining moment for Apple’s camera evolution — one that not only raises the bar for smartphone selfies but also redefines how we capture and interact with images on the go.
