Apple’s 2026 iPhone 18 lineup appears set to receive a significant camera upgrade, with all models including the first foldable iPhone expected to feature 24-megapixel front-facing cameras, according to a new report. The rumor of a better selfie camera came up with the iPhone 17 lineup, too, but didn’t materialize.
iPhone 18 lineup 24MP selfie camera: A gradual progression in selfie camera quality
The rumored 24MP upgrade would represent a notable step forward from the 18MP front cameras introduced with the iPhone 17 lineup. Interestingly, multiple sources previously predicted that iPhone 17 models would feature 24MP selfie cameras, but that upgrade never materialized. Now a JPMorgan equity report says the same for the next iPhone series, according to a detailed specs list covering several iPhone series that analyst Max Weinbach (@MaxWinebach) posted on X.com.
The increase to 24MP would affect the entire flagship range, including the iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone Air 2, and Apple’s first foldable iPhone. Users could expect sharper selfies, more detailed images and improved portrait mode accuracy across these devices.
Apple’s iPhone 17 models currently feature a Center Stage front camera, which includes the first square camera sensor ever used in an iPhone. This square sensor design provides a wider field of view and captures more detail, allowing users to take portrait or landscape selfies while holding their phone vertically.
JP Morgan believes the iPhone Air 2 is very much planned
JP Morgan and most bank analysts are VERY good at getting information like this from supply chain https://t.co/JoZfrhG1tr pic.twitter.com/5YHLHQL5jF
— Max Weinbach (@MaxWinebach) November 5, 2025
Foldable iPhone gets special treatment
Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone will reportedly feature an industry-first 24MP under-screen camera integrated into the device’s inner display, representing a significant technological advancement.
But not all iPhone models will receive the camera upgrade, however. Both the second-generation iPhone 17e and third-generation iPhone 18e will reportedly continue using 12MP front-facing cameras, maintaining the resolution found on older iPhone models.
Staggered release schedule planned
Starting in 2026, Apple reportedly plans to split its iPhone lineup between fall and spring launches. The second-generation iPhone Air, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the foldable iPhone will launch in the second half of 2026, while the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e won’t arrive until spring 2027.
David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
