The smartphone screen utopia we’ve been promised since bezels started shrinking appears on Apple’s roadmap. According to multiple supply chain sources, the iPhone 18 Pro models are reportedly testing under-display Face ID technology. After nearly a decade of living with screen interruptions—from the original notch to Dynamic Island—the premium iPhone’s face is reportedly getting a serious redesign.
Engineering That’s More Complex Than Your Relationship Status
Hiding Face ID isn’t simply tucking a camera under glass. It’s more like trying to conduct an orchestra through a wall while blindfolded. The system projects thousands of invisible infrared dots to map your face in 3D, then needs to capture them perfectly—a technological challenge that’s presented significant obstacles since Face ID debuted.
“OLED panels naturally block or scatter much of this infrared light,” according to MacRumors’ analysis of the engineering challenges. Apple isn’t just designing a magic trick; they’re reportedly working to overcome fundamental display limitations while maintaining the security that millions rely on daily.
The Great iPhone Class Divide
Apple appears to be creating a sharp line between its premium and standard models with this update. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max may debut with invisible Face ID sensors tucked beneath the display, while the regular iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Air stick with visible cutouts—like showing up to a party in last year’s outfit. And for iPhone X-series users still hanging on, these hardware shifts all but confirm what many feared: iOS 19 is drawing the curtain on an era of devices that once defined the future.
“Apple is testing 3D under-display Face ID system for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models,” reported Digital Chat Station. This suggests standard models would keep the visible cutouts interrupting your screen during video playback. (Remember when we thought the notch would disappear after iPhone X? Sweet summer children, we were.)
From Island to Pinpoint
While Face ID components may disappear beneath the glass, the selfie camera would remain visible—but barely. Reports indicate Apple is implementing a tiny HIAA (hole-in-active-area) punch-hole that would make the current Dynamic Island look as oversized as those early 2000s Bluetooth earpieces.
Samsung pioneered this laser-drilled peephole technique, but Apple’s version reportedly aims to refine it. Imagine the current pill-shaped cutout shrunk down to a single dot—like comparing a billboard to the period at the end of this sentence.
The visual transformation would bring Apple’s premium phones more in line with Android flagships’ minimalist aesthetic without sacrificing the facial recognition technology.
What This Actually Means For You
For everyday users, this potential change isn’t just cosmetic surgery for your phone. It would mean expanded digital real estate for notifications, videos without awkward black cutouts, and full-screen gaming without compromises. But your accessories collection may face obsolescence with any design change—those perfectly aligned screen protectors would need replacing.
Industry analysts like Ross Young have noted that previous under-display cameras have struggled with image quality. The question remains whether Apple’s implementation would avoid these pitfalls or make a trade-off between aesthetics and functionality.
After years of rumors, the mythical all-screen iPhone appears to be approaching reality, though as with all unreleased Apple products, plans could change before launch.
