Apple iPhone 18 Pro May Feature Under-Display Face ID: The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is already stirring up massive interest among tech enthusiasts, designers, developers, and everyday users — and it’s still over a year away from launch. If leaks and supply chain sources are to be believed, Apple is preparing to roll out under-display Face ID technology that could radically transform the iconic iPhone design and set new standards for biometric security on mobile devices.
This long-awaited update marks Apple’s push toward achieving a completely seamless, full-screen experience. For users, this could mean saying goodbye to the familiar Dynamic Island — and hello to a truly immersive screen with no obstructions. But that’s not all the iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to offer. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this possible breakthrough, from design to hardware, launch timelines, and what it means for the future of smartphones.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro May Feature Under-Display Face ID
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Apple iPhone 18 Pro |
| Expected Launch | Fall 2026 |
| Main Innovation | Under-display Face ID replacing Dynamic Island |
| Camera Improvements | Variable aperture 48MP main camera, advanced image sensors |
| Performance Enhancements | 12GB RAM, A20 Pro chip (2nm process), faster AI and photo processing |
| Design Upgrade | Edge-to-edge OLED screen with smaller front camera cutout |
| More Info | Apple Official Site |
The rumored iPhone 18 Pro with under-display Face ID signals a transformative moment for Apple — one where form and function meet in perfect harmony. By burying sensors beneath the display, Apple isn’t just refining its devices; it’s reimagining the very way we interact with them.
From improved photography and blazing performance to cleaner aesthetics and innovative UX, this could be Apple’s most futuristic iPhone yet. As always, time will tell — but based on what we know so far, the iPhone 18 Pro may just redefine what it means to own a smartphone in the modern era.
What Is Under-Display Face ID?
Face ID is Apple’s facial recognition system that launched with the iPhone X in 2017. Traditionally, it required a notch at the top of the screen to house sensors like the infrared camera, dot projector, and flood illuminator. Later, Apple evolved the feature into the Dynamic Island — a pill-shaped cutout that combines Face ID tech with useful notifications and controls.
However, the iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to shift this entire hardware suite underneath the display. Instead of seeing a notch or cutout, users will see a seamless screen — but still benefit from the full functionality of Face ID. This under-display biometric system would work by allowing the necessary light and infrared signals to pass through the OLED display, an incredible engineering feat.
To ensure accuracy and security, Apple would use advanced thin-film transistors, custom pixel arrangements, and machine learning algorithms to compensate for any distortion caused by the screen layer. This would help maintain Face ID’s industry-leading precision.
Why This Change Is So Significant
This change goes beyond aesthetics. A fully integrated under-display Face ID marks a new direction in smartphone design philosophy: maximum utility with minimal distraction. Apple is following — and improving upon — the path of companies like Samsung and Oppo, which have experimented with under-display cameras and sensors with mixed results.
Apple’s cautious approach to new technology means that any solution they adopt will be rigorously tested for performance, security, and user experience. Users can expect the same fast, accurate, and secure Face ID performance — without sacrificing any screen space.
Beyond Face ID, this move would open new design possibilities for future iPhones, iPads, and even AR/VR devices, creating a uniform screen interface without mechanical components or notches.
What Else to Expect from the iPhone 18 Pro
The iPhone 18 Pro isn’t just about a new biometric system. Based on early leaks and analyst predictions, here’s what else might be coming:
1. Smaller, Relocated Front Camera Cutout
Although Face ID sensors may go under the screen, the selfie camera will still require a cutout. Apple is expected to reduce its size significantly and possibly move it to the upper corner of the screen. This would maximize viewing space while still allowing high-quality photo and video capture.
2. Variable Aperture 48MP Camera
The main 48MP sensor may support variable aperture, allowing users to shift between wide and narrow apertures depending on lighting and scene type. This would:
- Improve low-light performance
- Enhance portrait background blur (bokeh)
- Give users greater creative control
This tech is already available in some Android flagships, and Apple could implement a more refined, intuitive version.
3. Samsung Triple-Stacked Image Sensor
Rumors suggest that Apple will adopt triple-stacked image sensors from Samsung, which increase the light-capturing surface area without enlarging the sensor size. The result? Sharper images, less noise, and faster image processing — particularly beneficial for night photography and high-speed bursts.
4. Hardware Boost: 12GB RAM + A20 Pro Chip
The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to come with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, boosting multitasking, gaming, and AI-related tasks. Combined with the new A20 Pro chip built using TSMC’s 2nm process, users can expect:
- 30% performance gains over A17
- Lower heat output and better thermal efficiency
- Improved power management for longer battery life
These improvements will also benefit Apple’s growing suite of AI and machine learning features, from Siri to computational photography and on-device language processing.
Potential Launch Window and Rollout Strategy
Apple typically unveils new iPhones in September, and the iPhone 18 Pro is projected to follow that tradition in Fall 2026. However, industry analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo have hinted that Apple may split the release:
- Pro and Pro Max models in 2026
- Base and Mini versions possibly delayed to 2027
This staggered approach would give Apple more time to perfect the under-display components and differentiate its Pro lineup more clearly from standard models. Additionally, 2026 may also see the unveiling of Apple’s first foldable device, potentially branded under the iPhone or iPad umbrella.
How Under-Display Face ID Works: Explained Simply
- Infrared Light Emission: An invisible light is projected onto your face by sensors beneath the OLED display.
- Light Reflection Through the Screen: The reflected light passes back through the screen to an infrared camera, which is also hidden.
- Data Conversion: Apple’s neural engine converts the reflections into a mathematical model of your face.
- Secure Comparison: The generated map is compared to the encrypted version stored in the Secure Enclave.
- The whole process happens in milliseconds, allowing seamless unlocking, authentication, and app access without any physical input.
Implications for Developers and UX Designers
Removing the Dynamic Island means app designers will have more consistent real estate to work with. For users, this translates to:
- Full-screen video with no interruptions
- Less cluttered app interfaces
- More immersive gaming and AR/VR experiences
Developers may need to adjust to new design guidelines and API updates from Apple, particularly regarding alert placements and biometric interactions. Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines are expected to evolve significantly to accommodate this design shift.
FAQs
Q1: Is under-display Face ID less secure?
No. Apple is expected to maintain its high biometric standards. Under-display sensors will use the same encryption, storage, and data processing systems as current models.
Q2: Will this replace Touch ID forever?
Apple is still rumored to be working on under-display Touch ID as a secondary authentication method, but Face ID remains the priority for premium models.
Q3: What about battery life with all these upgrades?
The A20 chip’s 2nm process is expected to significantly reduce power consumption, potentially increasing battery life by 15–20%.
Q4: Can I expect this feature on the iPhone 18 base model?
Unlikely. Under-display Face ID is expected to be exclusive to the Pro and Pro Max variants, at least initially.
Q5: Will Face ID still work with masks or sunglasses?
Yes. Apple’s Face ID continues to improve in identifying partial faces, and under-display hardware is expected to match or exceed current standards.
