iPhone 18 Pro: Under-Display Face ID Rumored for 2026

The quest for an uninterrupted, truly edge-to-edge smartphone display has been a long-standing ambition in the mobile industry. Apple enthusiasts, in particular, have eagerly awaited a design that moves beyond the notch and, more recently, the Dynamic Island. Fresh reports suggest this vision may take a significant leap forward with the iPhone 18 Pro, slated for a potential 2026 release. The persistent rumor gaining substantial traction is the integration of Face ID technology directly beneath the display, a development that could redefine the iPhone's iconic front-facing aesthetic and user experience. The Whispers Grow Louder: Credible Sources Point to 2026 While the idea of under-display Face ID isn't new, recent information has lent significant weight to the possibility of its arrival in the iPhone 18 Pro. A key voice in these predictions is display analyst Ross Young, renowned for his accurate insights into Apple's display technology roadmap. Young, currently the VP of Counterpoint Research and formerly CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants, has indicated that the iPhone 18 Pro models are indeed on track to incorporate this advanced feature. His analysis is supported by developments within the display industry. Young recently shared information from the SID Business Conference, where OTI Lumionics CEO Michael Helander made a significant statement. Helander confirmed that "they expect phones with under panel Face ID using their materials to be available for sale in 2026" . Young directly connected this timeline to Apple, suggesting, "This suggests that iPhone 18 Pro models will have under panel Face ID with other brands and models to follow" . Further corroborating these claims, a report from The Information by Wayne Ma earlier this month also pointed towards under-screen Face ID for the 2026 Pro iPhones . This convergence of reports from multiple well-regarded sources makes the 2026 timeline for under-display Face ID on the iPhone 18 Pro increasingly plausible. Unveiling the Technology: How Under-Display Face ID Works The successful implementation of under-display Face ID is a complex technological feat. It involves embedding the sophisticated components crucial for Apple's facial recognition system—namely the dot projector and the infrared camera—beneath the active pixel area of the OLED screen . The challenge lies in allowing these sensors to function accurately and reliably through the display layer without compromising either the display quality or the Face ID performance. The goal is to make these sensors effectively invisible to the user during normal operation, only becoming active when needed for authentication or other Face ID-related features. This would allow for a more immersive viewing experience, free from the visual interruptions of current sensor housings. A New Face for the iPhone: Impact on Design and the Dynamic Island The most immediate and visible impact of under-display Face ID would be on the iPhone's front design. As AppleInsider notes, "The dreaded notch followed by the compromise that was the Dynamic Island both exist as a result of Face ID needing screen space" . Embedding these components could mean the end of the pill-shaped cutout that currently houses the Face ID system and front camera, known as the Dynamic Island. However, a completely unblemished display might still be a step away. According to Wayne Ma's report for The Information, while the Face ID components would go under the display, the iPhone 18 Pro "will have only a small hole in the top-left corner of the screen, to accommodate the front camera" . Ross Young also suggested that "selfie cameras will still be visible for now" . This indicates a two-stage approach: first hiding Face ID, and potentially in a later generation, the front camera as well. The fate of the Dynamic Island feature—the software interface that provides interactive notifications and activities around the current cutout—remains an open question. If the physical cutout for Face ID is eliminated or significantly reduced to just a camera hole, Apple would need to decide whether to adapt the Dynamic Island functionality to this new, smaller interruption or phase it out for a different notification paradigm. The Evolutionary Path: From Notch to Near Full-Screen Apple's journey towards a truly full-screen iPhone has been incremental: The Notch (iPhone X, 2017): Introduced Face ID but also a significant display cutout. The Dynamic Island (iPhone 14 Pro, 2022): Replaced the notch with a smaller, pill-shaped cutout that integrated software features, making it interactive. Under-Display Face ID (iPhone 18 Pro, 2026 - rumored): The next anticipated step, hiding the Face ID sensors and leaving only a potential small punch-hole for the front camera. This progression highlights Apple's long-term strategy of maximizing screen real estate while retaining its advanced biometric security. The iPhone 18 Pro, expected around September 2026 , could therefore mark a pivotal moment in this design evolution. Broader Implications and What Lies Ahead Should these reports prove accurate, the introduction of under-display Face ID in the iPhone 18 Pro would not only be a significant aesthetic upgrade but also a testament to Apple's engineering prowess. It would likely set a new benchmark in the premium smartphone segment, potentially prompting competitors to accelerate their own under-display sensor technologies. As with many advanced features, Apple is expected to introduce this technology first in its "Pro" lineup. Over time, it could trickle down to standard iPhone models and potentially other Apple devices. While the prospect of a more seamless iPhone display is exciting, it's crucial to remember that these are, for now, well-sourced rumors. Official confirmation will only come from Apple closer to the launch. Nevertheless, the convergence of information from respected analysts and industry insiders paints a compelling picture of what to expect from the iPhone 18 Pro in 2026 – an iPhone that takes a significant step closer to the dream of an all-screen device.

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