Apple's iPhone 18 to bring sharper selfies with 24MP front sensor: Report

The upcoming iPhone 18 series from Apple is poised to make waves with a major upgrade to its front camera, as revealed in a recent equity research note by JP Morgan, first highlighted by MacRumors. According to the report, every flagship model in the new lineup will boast a 24-megapixel front-facing camera, a significant leap from the 18-megapixel sensor featured in the current iPhone 17 series. This enhancement promises to elevate Apple’s selfie capabilities, offering sharper images, improved performance in low-light conditions, and more detailed portrait photography. If these claims hold true, the upgrade will extend across the iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone Air 2, and even Apple’s anticipated foldable iPhone. The iPhone 17 series previously introduced Apple’s innovative "Center Stage" front camera, characterized by its first-ever square-shaped sensor that provides a wider field of view. This design allows users to capture more detail in both portrait and landscape orientations. While there were initial expectations for a 24-megapixel sensor in the iPhone 17 lineup, it did not come to fruition. However, the 18-megapixel enhancement in the 17 series marked a significant advancement. Should Apple implement a 24-megapixel sensor in the iPhone 18, it would represent one of the largest increases in selfie camera resolution seen in recent models. Notably, JP Morgan's report also indicates that the forthcoming foldable iPhone may feature a groundbreaking 24-megapixel under-display camera integrated into the device’s inner screen. This innovation could enable a continuous display without any visible camera cut-outs, marking a notable design achievement for Apple. On the other hand, Apple’s more budget-friendly models are unlikely to benefit from these camera upgrades. The second-generation iPhone 17e and the third-generation iPhone 18e are expected to maintain a 12-megapixel front camera. Additionally, the report hints at a potential change in Apple’s iPhone release strategy, suggesting that from 2026, the company may stagger its iPhone launches between autumn and spring. The premium iPhone 18 Pro models, iPhone Air 2, and the foldable iPhone could debut in the latter half of 2026, while the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e may be pushed to spring 2027.