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iPhone 18 Pro Might Get Embedded In-Display Face ID: Report

Highlights

Apple may introduce Face ID embedded directly into the display to eliminate the visible cutout.
A company linked to Apple expects this technology to debut in a phone launching in 2026.
Display expert Ross Young supports the claim stating that iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models could be the first to feature under-panel Face ID.

Caption – Apple is working on embedding Face ID into the display panels soon. (Image credit – Apple)

It’s looking more and more likely that the iPhone 18 Pro will come with Face ID built right into the display. Adding more weight to what has been an ongoing rumour, a company that’s been linked with Apple on this tech just said it expects its solution to appear in a phone releasing in 2026.

Well-known display expert Ross Young on X (formerly Twitter) said they believe the claim is solid. Young also said that it likely refers to the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.

Young wrote, “At the SID Business Conference today, OTI Lumionics CEO Michael Helander confirmed that they expect phones with under panel Face ID using their materials to be available for sale in 2026. This suggests that iPhone 18 Pro models will have under panel Face ID with other brands and models to follow.”

At the SID Business Conference today, OTI Lumionics CEO Michael Helander confirmed that they expect phones with under panel Face ID using their materials to be available for sale in 2026. This suggests that iPhone 18 Pro models will have under panel Face ID with other brands and…

— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) May 14, 2025

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about this.

Earlier this month, The Information reported that this in-display Face ID will debut in the iPhone 18 Pro models. “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,” the report said.

Apple has been working on this tech for years and now a new development makes it seem like the days of the Dynamic Island are numbered. Apple’s patents show it’s been trying to hide Face ID sensors beneath the screen. This means putting both the dot projector and the sensor under the display so there’s no need for a visible cutout.

Once that’s in place, Apple can remove the Dynamic Island completely and just keep a single punch-hole for the front camera. That camera itself going under the display will take more time.

A patent Apple published this year hints that the company may have figured out the biggest hurdle, which was infrared light not passing well through displays. Apple’s solution is to “remove subpixels from the display in a way that won’t be noticeable.”

Now, with Ross Young backing the recent claim, it appears we are inching closer to getting the tech in an iPhone soon.

FAQs

Q1. Will the iPhone 18 Pro have in-display Face ID?

Answer. Reports indicate that Apple may introduce Face ID embedded directly into the display in the iPhone 18 Pro models. A company working on the technology, OTI Lumionics, expects phones featuring this solution to launch in 2026.

Q2. What does Ross Young say about Apple’s under-panel Face ID?

Answer. Display expert Ross Young supports the claim, stating that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models will likely feature under-panel Face ID and that other brands and models may adopt this technology afterward.

Q3. Will Apple remove the Dynamic Island?

Answer. Apple has been researching ways to hide Face ID sensors beneath the screen, and its patents suggest a solution involving modified subpixels. If successful, Apple could eliminate the Dynamic Island and retain only a single punch-hole for the front camera.

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