According to a reliable Chinese leaker, Apple is testing an innovative under-display Face ID system for its upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models, marking a major step toward achieving a true all-screen design.
The Weibo account Digital Chat Station, known for accurate Apple supply chain insights, reports that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will feature facial recognition sensors hidden beneath the display, with only a small hole-punch camera visible on the screen.
This development presents substantial engineering hurdles for Apple's teams. Face ID's complex infrared system projects thousands of dots to create detailed facial depth maps - a challenging feat when placed under an OLED display that naturally blocks infrared light.
The company is reportedly exploring ways to allow infrared light to pass through specific display areas while maintaining image quality. This requires extensive hardware and software modifications to match current Face ID performance and security standards.
For the front-facing camera, Apple plans to implement a single hole using Samsung's HIAA (hole-in-active-area) technology, which precisely integrates cameras into OLED panels while preserving screen space.
The standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Air models will retain the current Dynamic Island design with multiple sensor holes. These non-Pro models are expected to launch in spring 2027, roughly six months after the Pro versions, as part of Apple's new split release strategy.
This advancement could pave the way for Apple's reported goal of delivering a completely seamless display in future iPhone generations, potentially culminating in the company's 20th-anniversary iPhone release.
The move toward under-display components reflects Apple's ongoing pursuit of minimizing visible sensors while maximizing screen real estate in its flagship devices.