iPhone 18 Pro leaks: Apple's next flagship may bring taller display

For several years, the front design of the iPhone Pro lineup has changed only in small, carefully measured steps. But if the latest leaks are accurate, Apple could be preparing one of the more visible display redesigns since the arrival of the Dynamic Island.

Images of alleged protective films for the rumoured iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max have surfaced online ahead of Apple’s expected September launch event. While accessory leaks should always be treated cautiously, the new images suggest Apple may be moving towards taller, narrower displays while also shrinking the size of the front camera cutout.

The leaked films show a noticeably smaller Dynamic Island area positioned slightly off-centre near the top of the display. The design appears to support previous reports claiming Apple has been working on reducing the size of the cutout by roughly 25 to 35 per cent.

If accurate, the changes could alter how the next generation of iPhones feels both visually and physically, especially for users who spend long hours watching videos, gaming or multitasking on larger screens.

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A bigger display without a bulkier phone

One of the more interesting details from the leaked protectors is their overall shape. Compared with current-generation models, the films appear slightly taller and narrower, suggesting Apple may increase display size without significantly widening the devices.

Reports linked to the leak indicate the iPhone 18 Pro could feature a display measuring around 6.4 inches, while the larger Pro Max version may stretch close to 7 inches. By comparison, the current iPhone 17 Pro uses a 6.3-inch screen and the iPhone 17 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch panel.

That may sound like a modest jump on paper, but the shift in aspect ratio could make the phones feel noticeably different in daily use. Several Android smartphone manufacturers have already embraced taller display formats because they allow companies to fit larger screens into devices that remain relatively manageable in one hand.

For Apple, which has maintained a fairly familiar front design across multiple iPhone generations, even a subtle adjustment in proportions would represent a significant visual update.

Apple’s slow march towards an all-screen iPhone

The smaller Dynamic Island visible in the leaked films also hints at Apple’s longer-term ambition to create a cleaner, less interrupted display.

Apple first introduced the Dynamic Island with the iPhone 14 Pro series as a replacement for the traditional notch. The feature blended hardware and software by turning the camera cutout into an interactive area for notifications, music controls and background activity.

While widely praised for its functionality, the Dynamic Island still occupies a noticeable portion of the screen, particularly during full-screen video playback or gaming sessions. Reducing its size would allow Apple to reclaim more usable display area without fully moving to under-display camera technology, which still faces quality limitations across the smartphone industry.

The leaks arrive as anticipation builds around Apple’s next iPhone launch cycle, expected later this year. For users considering an upgrade, the rumoured changes may prove especially appealing to those who want bigger displays without carrying noticeably wider phones.

Still, as with all pre-launch leaks, final hardware details may evolve before Apple officially unveils the devices.