Recently, a whistleblower said on the X platform that he had obtained the latest CAD files for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, which are said to be from accessory manufacturers, showing that the punch-hole area at the top of the screen of these two models will be significantly reduced. Sources who broke the news said that if the news is true, these CAD files are most likely based on data provided by Apple and used for the advance development of accessories such as protective cases.
Judging from the exposed schematics, the opening at the top of the new generation Pro model is visually significantly narrower than the "smart island" that has been used since the iPhone 14 Pro, but the height may be slightly increased and the overall shape is more compact. Some people believe that this change of "short and fat to thin and tall" does not rule out the existence of certain optical illusions, but the trend of width reduction is very obvious.
If this design is finally implemented, it is widely speculated in the industry that it means that Apple has moved some Touch ID related components to the bottom of the screen, thereby freeing up the space originally occupied in the hole area, allowing the front punch hole area to be reduced. The report pointed out that with the adjustment of the stacking method of sensors and modules, Apple can release more space for the visible area of the screen while ensuring functions such as Face ID.
Based on previous rumors, the overall design of the back of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to basically continue the previous generation products, with only minor adjustments in details. Against this background, the smaller "Smart Island" is expected to become one of the most significant changes in the appearance of this year's Pro series, and will also become an important visual symbol to distinguish new and old models.
Currently, more details about the iPhone 18 series are still in the leaks and rumors stage, including price strategy, commemorative edition design and other potential hardware upgrades, etc., which have not yet been officially confirmed by Apple. As usual, Apple is expected to officially release a new generation of iPhone this fall, when this round of rumors about the size changes of the "Smart Island" will finally be verified.