New Leak Hints at Under Display Face ID for iPhone 18 Pro
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A new report suggests that Apple might be preparing to debut its long-awaited under-display Face ID technology as soon as next year’s iPhone 18 Pro lineup.
While we’ve been hearing this refrain for years, there’s some solid evidence that Apple is working on the next big step in embracing this technology. A leaker on Weibo who goes by the moniker “Smart Pikachu” recently revealed that Apple is testing new materials that would be required to support an under-display Face ID sensor.
We haven’t heard much from Smart Pikachu in the Apple rumor mill, but the leaker has previously shared accurate supply-chain details on Chinese Android hardware, which suggests that they have some insights into what’s happening in the Chinese supply chain, and could therefore have heard some murmurings about what Apple’s partners are up to.
The Weibo post says Apple is testing “micro-transparent glass panels” that would likely be similar to those used in other applications to facilitate infrared signal transmission through the glass — the same type of signals that are used by the dot projectors that power Face ID.
However, it’s less clear if Apple plans to move the entire camera array under the display with next year’s models or simply use the technology to reduce the size of the Dynamic Island.
Several reports over the past few years have suggested Apple will take a two-stage approach, moving the Face ID sensor under the display first and reducing the screen cutout to a punch-hole that would accommodate the selfie camera.
Moving to under-display Face ID in next year’s models would seem to align with that strategy, as other reports have suggested the 20th-anniversary iPhone will go to a seamless, notch-free screen, with the selfie camera also under a display with no holes at all.
In May, display supply chain analyst Ross Young also predicted the iPhone 18 Pro would have under-panel Face ID, while adding that “under panel cameras still need more development.”
Around the same time, The Information reported that the iPhone 18 Pro models would feature a pinhole cutout in the upper left corner of the display. Other reports have suggested that Apple will retain the Dynamic Island, but use the opportunity to reduce its size.
Although other smartphone makers have tried putting cameras under their displays, it’s largely been a niche feature, as the quality is far below the kind of standards most customers are willing to settle for — and definitely wouldn’t meet Apple’s exacting standards.
That’s especially true since Apple’s front cameras are much more sophisticated than what you’ll find on many smartphones, and they’re only getting more so. This year, Apple upgraded the iPhone 17 selfie camera, and another recent report suggests next year’s iPhone 18 Pro could get a 24 MP front camera, although it’s unclear if the underlying sensor will actually change. Still, given the choice between putting the camera under the screen or adding more capabilities, it’s obvious that Apple prefers the latter — and it’s likely most customers would agree.
[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]
