Recently, a buzz started circulating that Apple was planning a radical design shift for the iPhone 18 Pro by moving the front-facing camera to a hole-punch cutout on the left side of the screen. However, a well-known Chinese leaker, Instant Digital, posting on the social media platform Weibo, recently set the record straight regarding these claims, and this report is even corroborated by X account “ShrimpApplePro,” who has a solid track record when it comes to Apple leaks. The leaker suggests that the reports of a left-aligned camera are a “complete misunderstanding.” Instead of a new camera placement, the reality is very different.
According to Instant Digital, the confusion likely stems from a mistranslation of earlier reports from Chinese and Korean sources. While English-language media began reporting on a left-side hole, the original leaks were actually discussing the placement of the under-display infrared (IR) sensor used for Face ID. It seems a few outlets may have mistakenly swapped the word “sensor” for “camera” during the translation process.
The core of the leak is actually quite exciting, even if it doesn’t involve a floating camera on the left. Apple is reportedly working on placing the Face ID components—specifically the infrared sensor—beneath the display. This would be a major step toward a truly “all-screen” iPhone, reducing the visual footprint of the current Dynamic Island.
Instant Digital noted that once the “left-side camera” narrative hit the English-language media, its reach became impossible to contain. Because English tech news often travels globally with more velocity, the mistranslation became the dominant headline. While the iPhone 18 Pro is still a couple of months away, it is clear that Apple’s goal is to hide as much of the sensor array as possible.
What do you think about the move toward under-display sensors? Would you prefer a totally hidden Face ID system, or do you enjoy the functionality of the Dynamic Island? Let us know in the comments! Stay updated with the latest news on this by downloading the Appleosophy App from the App Store or by visiting our website.
