Highlights
- Tipster claims Apple is testing micro-transparent glass tech to enable under-display Face ID for the iPhone 18 Pro in 2026.
- Apple’s TrueDepth system complexity means the notch may not fully disappear, as other sensors still need placement.
- Conflicting reports also surround under-display Touch ID for the rumoured iPhone Fold.
Caption – Under-Display Face ID Rumours for iPhone 18 Pro. (Image credit – Apple)
A new leak has once again sparked discussions around Apple’s long-rumoured plan to bring under-display Face ID to the iPhone. According to the latest claim, Apple is reportedly preparing to introduce the technology with the iPhone 18 Pro in 2026. Here’s the full story.
Under-Display Face ID in iPhone 18 Pro
Speculation around this feature began when the iPhone X debuted with the notch. Since then, reports have frequently suggested that Apple would eventually hide the Face ID system beneath the display. The rumours grew louder in 2025 with a September leak hinting that under-display Face ID was planned for the iPhone 18 Pro followed by a contradictory report in November stating otherwise.
The latest update on what Apple is planning for future iPhone displays comes from leaker account name Smart Pikachu on the Chinese platform Weibo. The tipster claims that Apple is testing a new display process that could make the feature possible.
Depending on translation, the method involves either “stitching” or “spliced” micro-transparent glass, a concept similar to existing micro-perforated or nano-patterned glass solutions previously used to enhance infrared transmission. The report was first highlighted by MacRumors and suggests that this technology may be advanced enough for suppliers to begin preparing for production.
While Smart Pikachu has no established track record with Apple leaks, they have reportedly been accurate with Android-related hardware information in the past.
Under-Screen Biometrics Still Complicated
This leak specifically refers to Face ID shifting under the display. However, moving the TrueDepth system beneath the panel may not completely eliminate the notch, as it currently houses more than just the Face ID module including the proximity sensor, ambient light sensor and the front-facing camera.
The uncertainty mirrors similar conflicting claims about under-display Touch ID, especially regarding the rumoured iPhone Fold set for 2026. Some sources say the foldable device will include the technology, while others deny it.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo firmly maintains that under-display Touch ID is unlikely for the foldable model, arguing that its thinner form factor would make such integration difficult. Instead, Kuo believes the device will rely on Touch ID embedded in a side-mounted button similar to the iPad Air.
FAQs
Q1. What new feature is Apple reportedly testing for the iPhone 18 Pro?
Answer. Apple is said to be preparing under‑display Face ID using micro‑transparent glass technology, targeted for the 2026 iPhone 18 Pro launch.
Q2. Will iPhone 18 Series under‑display Face ID completely remove the notch?
Answer. Not entirely. The notch also houses sensors like proximity, ambient light, and the front camera, which may still require space.
Q3. What about under‑display Touch ID in future iPhones?
Answer. Conflicting reports exist, but analyst Ming‑Chi Kuo believes the rumoured iPhone Fold will instead use a side‑mounted Touch ID button.