Caption – Apple is reportedly working on moving the Face ID under the display, eliminating the pill-shaped display cutout by 2026. (Image credit – Apple)
Apple has been working towards the goal of a completely edge-to-edge iPhone display for years now. It means no notches, no bezels and just an uninterrupted screen. Over the years, this goal has led to some big design changes like the introduction of the Dynamic Island that replaced the notch on recent models like the iPhone 16.
This year’s iPhone 17 is expected to stick with that same Dynamic Island design with no major bezel changes. But in 2026 and 2027, Apple is reportedly planning bigger steps toward a truly all-screen iPhone.
According to a recent The Information report, Apple plans to move the Face ID components under the display by 2026, which would eliminate the pill-shaped cutout in the current design. That would leave just one small cutout, specifically for the front-facing camera, on models like the iPhone 18 Pro.
But the twist is that the camera cutout may not be centred. According to Wayne Ma from The Information, it could be placed in the top-left corner of the screen.
As the report puts it, “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.”
This wouldn’t be the first smartphone with a top-left selfie camera, but it would definitely be a big design shift for Apple, which usually sticks to a more symmetrical layout.
Caption – Apple might launch iPhone 18 Series models in two phases. (Image credit – Apple)
Wayne Ma, in The Information report, also hints that Apple may be changing its iPhone release schedule starting with the iPhone 18 lineup. Instead of releasing all models at once in the fall, Apple may launch some in the usual September window and others in the spring.
This new approach is part of Apple’s effort to “rejuvenate” iPhone sales, which have slowed down in recent years as yearly upgrades have gotten smaller.
It starts this year with the launch of the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, though suppliers are reportedly not very confident about its performance. The report says the 17 Air only makes up about 10% of production capacity.
If that model doesn’t do well, manufacturers are ready to shift its production capacity to other models.
From 2026 onward, Apple plans to separate its releases into two phases. In September 2026, Apple will launch the iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and possibly its first-ever foldable iPhone. Then in spring 2027, Apple will release the standard iPhone 18 and the next version of the budget-friendly iPhone 16e, likely called iPhone 18e.
As the report explains, “The iPhone 18 series will include updated versions of Apple’s thin iPhone, Pro and Pro Max, along with the new foldable device. In spring 2027, Apple plans to release the standard iPhone 18 and a successor to the more budget-friendly iPhone 16e, the people said.”
“Both those models, which are based on older and less complicated designs, will undergo manufacturing trials first in India as part of Apple’s efforts to reduce its manufacturing risk in China, two of the people said,” it further adds.
This means we probably won’t see a new iPhone 17e model next year. And with a staggered launch strategy, Apple could better spread out demand and possibly boost sales throughout the year.
Answer. Apple plans to move Face ID components under the display by 2026, eliminating the pill-shaped cutout. The iPhone 18 Pro will have only a small front-camera cutout in the top-left corner, paving the way for a fully edge-to-edge display by 2027.
Answer. Yes, Apple may stagger its iPhone releases, launching Pro and Air models in September 2026, followed by the standard iPhone 18 and budget-friendly iPhone 18e in spring 2027.
Answer. Apple may introduce its first-ever foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max in 2026.
Also Read: Apple’s Chip Strategy – C1 to C3 Modems, Proxima Wi-Fi and the Future of Apple Silicon
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