iPhone 18 Could Bring Under-Display Face ID, With Front-Facing Sensors Fully Hidden By iPhone 19

Highlights

• Apple is preparing to move Face ID under the display starting with the iPhone 18 in 2026.
• The iPhone 19 could completely hide all front-facing sensors by 2027.
• Apple reported resolves technical challenges including difficulties in placing Face ID’s infrared sensors under a backlit screen.

Caption – Multiple reports have hinted so far that iPhone 18 Could Bring Under-Display Face ID. (Image credit – Apple)

This is not the first time we are hearing this but it appears Apple is all set for a big display tech upgrade in future iPhones. The Cupertino giant might finally be ready to move Face ID under the screen, starting with the iPhone 18 in 2026. And if everything goes according to the plan, iPhone 19 in 2027 would be when all front-facing sensors including the selfie camera would be completely hidden under the display.

Apple Working on Perfecting Under-Display Face ID

Apple has long been rumoured to be working on reducing or removing the current pill-shaped cutout on the iPhone’s screen. If a trusted leaker is right, we could see these changes roll out gradually over the next few iPhone releases.

Well-known tipster Digital Chat Station posted on Weibo about Apple’s possible camera upgrades. Citing supply chain sources, they claim Face ID will go through some major changes in just three years.

Caption – Digital Chat Station’s recent post on Weibo. (Translated Via Google Translate)

For the 2025 iPhone 17 lineup, the leaker says the main camera changes will be on the back with a new “Horizontal large matrix lens DECO.”

Then the iPhone 18 is expected to switch to a punch-hole screen in 2026. The small hole will house the regular front-facing camera, while Face ID will reportedly be moved under the display. This means Face ID could still work without needing a visible cutout.

By 2027, Apple might take things even further with the iPhone 19. The company is rumoured to use a true full-screen display with no visible interruptions at all, hiding both the front camera and Face ID completely under the screen.

Previous Reports On Under-Display Face ID in iPhones

Digital Chat Station has a solid track record when it comes to Apple leaks and the timeline seems believable especially since similar rumours have surfaced before.

Earlier this year, an Apple patent revealed a possible fix for the biggest challenge with under-display Face ID, which was the infrared light doesn’t pass easily through display panels. Apple’s solution was reportedly to remove certain subpixels in a way that users won’t notice.

Recently, a report from The Information also mentioned that Apple plans to introduce this tech in the iPhone 18 Pro models. Meanwhile, a company rumoured to be working with Apple on this tech recently said it expects its solution to appear in a phone launching in 2026.

The Information’s Wayne Ma wrote, “The design of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will include only a small hole cutout in the top-left corner to accommodate the front-facing camera, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter. This design is a precursor to at least one 2027 iPhone model that will place the front-facing camera underneath the screen to enable a truly edge-to-edge display, two of the people said. Such a move would coincide with the 20-year anniversary of the first iPhone”

Digital Chat Station too has also previously hinted that this tech might even tie into Apple’s rumoured foldable iPhone. “Here is a heavyweight exclusive information, Apple folding screen. Inner screen [has] under-screen camera technology. inner screen – 7.76″± 27131920p-under-screen camera technology

outer screen – 5.49″±20881422p-screen hole solution,” DCS posted.

Caption – Digital Chat Station last month posted about iPhone under display tech experiments. (Translated Via Google Translate)

Now, based on what they’re hearing from the supply chain, it looks like Apple is aiming for a full rollout in 2027.

Back in late 2023, there were even reports that under-display Face ID could show up as early as the iPhone 18.

It is important to note that this kind of upgrade isn’t easy. Apple’s suppliers face real challenges when it comes to fitting Face ID’s infrared dot projectors and sensors under a backlit screen. If the technology doesn’t work perfectly, Apple might have to explore other ways to handle biometric security. Still, a 2026 launch window for under-display Face ID seems realistic.

FAQs

Q1. When will Apple introduce under-display Face ID?

Answer. Apple is expected to move Face ID under the screen starting with the iPhone 18 in 2026. By 2027, the iPhone 19 could completely hide all front-facing sensors under the display.

Q2. What design changes are planned for the iPhone 18 and iPhone 19?

Answer. The iPhone 18 is expected to adopt a punch-hole screen, housing the front camera while moving Face ID beneath the display. By the time the iPhone 19 launches, Apple may introduce a seamless full-screen design with no visible interruptions.

Q3. What challenges does Apple face in implementing under-display Face ID?

Answer. A key challenge is placing Face ID’s infrared dot projectors and sensors under a backlit screen. Apple has been working on solutions, including removing certain subpixels, to ensure reliable functionality.

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