Reportedly Apple may reuse some iPhone 17 molds for iPhone 18 Pro; under‑display Face ID pushed to next generation

Leak summary

It has been reported that Apple is considering reusing some previous‑generation molds for the iPhone 18 Pro series, and that a truly under‑display Face ID (which would let Apple shrink the Dynamic Island further) has been delayed to a later model. The story, published by IT之家 (ITHome), cites supply‑chain tipster @数码闲聊站 (Digital Chat Station). Reportedly the 18 Pro line will keep the Dynamic Island form factor and the large matrix rear‑ID layout largely unchanged even as internal components are refreshed.

What the leak claims

According to the report, the core upgrades for iPhone 18 Pro will be an A20 Pro chip produced on a 2nm node, a battery approaching the 5,000mAh class, larger‑aperture camera hardware and a higher‑resolution 24MP front camera for improved low‑light selfies. It has been reported that Apple may ship most Pro models with 2nm silicon; one standard model is reportedly still being considered on 3nm. The leaker also engaged with readers about whether the new phones will look different front and back; the short answer reportedly is “not much” — materials, finishes and some ID placement may change, but the overall silhouette and camera array will be familiar.

Context and implications

Reusing molds would be a pragmatic move: lower tooling costs, faster assembly ramp and better parts commonality at a time when Apple is also pushing advanced silicon. But the 2nm claim depends on foundry capacity and the geopolitics of semiconductor supply — access to the bleeding edge is shaped by Taiwan‑based TSMC’s roadmap and by export controls and trade policy that affect advanced equipment and IP. Will consumers be satisfied with incremental industrial design changes if most gains are internal? That is the commercial question Apple must weigh.

What to watch next

The report also reiterated earlier rumors that Apple will focus on the Pro line and introduce a large foldable iPhone Fold in September, likely at premium price points, and that the brand’s long‑term aim is a full front‑glass face with no visible openings by the iPhone’s 20th anniversary around 2027. It has been reported that under‑display Face ID and a reduced Dynamic Island will arrive later, not with the 2026 iPhone 18 Pro. Expect more concrete supply‑chain signs in the coming months — and more leaks. How much change will Apple deliver when it charges a premium? That will be the story to watch.