The iPhone 18 is expected to come with a 24-megapixel front-facing (selfie) camera, marking a significant upgrade from the 18MP front camera in the iPhone 17 series.
Leaked details suggest this will apply across the higher-end models of the iPhone 18 lineup (such as the Pro variants) though budget variants may retain lower resolution.
Further, one leak indicates that the upcoming foldable iPhone (likely part of the 18 family) could feature the 24MP front camera under-display, moving towards a more seamless screen design.
Why this upgrade matters
Better selfie quality
A jump to 24MP from 18MP means more resolution and potentially more detail when users take front-facing photos or record video calls. That can be especially useful in good lighting or when cropping.
Design implications
Paired with rumours about a smaller camera cut-out/hole punch and possibly under-display solutions for the front camera and Face ID systems. For example, one leak mentions a move to a hole-punch instead of the current bigger cut-out.
Competitive pressure
Smartphone front cameras have become more important (for social media, video calls, vlogging). Apple upgrading the front sensor signals attention to the “selfie” camera gap that some Android makers have exploited.
Broader spec enhancements
Leaks also point to other upgrades for the iPhone 18–Pro models, including variable-aperture rear cameras, redesigned Dynamic Island or cut-out, new colours/materials and possibly a two-phase launch (flagships first, others later).
What to keep in mind & caveats
- These are rumours. Apple has not confirmed the 24MP front camera for iPhone 18.
- Specification changes may only apply to certain models (e.g., Pro variants) and not the entire lineup. Some leaks suggest lower-end models will stick with lesser front camera specs.
- Even though resolution increases are meaningful, actual photo quality depends on many factors: sensor size, pixel size, lens quality, image processing, lighting, etc. Higher MP alone isn’t everything.
- The launch of the iPhone 18 (and possibly the foldable iPhone) is still some time away (reports indicate 2026 for foldable, 2027 for certain models). So specs could change. Gulf News
What this means for buyers
- If you’re someone who takes a lot of selfies, video calls, or uses front camera for content creation — this could be a meaningful upgrade.
- If you already own a recent model (iPhone 17 series) then this may be a moderate improvement unless the front-camera jump is accompanied by other major camera or design upgrades.
- For buyers in India (or elsewhere) considering the iPhone 18, keep an eye on which exact variant offers the 24MP front camera (Pro vs standard) and what the pricing difference is.
- Also consider other flagship phones from competitors — how they handle front camera resolution, features like ultra-wide selfie, under-display camera, etc — to see how Apple measures up.
Summary
The iPhone 18 is rumoured to bring a 24MP front-facing camera, which would mark a noticeable jump in selfie resolution for Apple’s flagship phones. While the upgrade is exciting, it comes with the usual caveats of leaks and early-stage speculation. Buyers should wait for official specs and consider how meaningful the upgrade will be for their usage.
