Under-Screen Face ID Delayed for iPhone, Now Expected in 2026 iPhone 18 Pro Models

Highlights

• Under-screen Face ID postponed to iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in 2026.
• Non-Pro iPhone models might get the feature with the iPhone 19 series in 2027.
• iPhone 17 series to shift all models to LTPO displays for always-on functionality.
• Future iPhones to potentially include under-panel camera technology post-2026.

The long-awaited under-screen Face ID feature for iPhones has been pushed back once again, according to the latest rumours.

Display analyst Ross Young initially predicted that the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, expected in 2025, would be the first to ditch the notch and implement under-screen Face ID.

However, he has now revised his forecast, suggesting that this technology will not arrive until the 2026 iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

iPhone 18 Could be the First With In-Display Camera

If Young’s updated prediction holds true, the 2026 iPhone 18 Pro models will be the first to feature under-screen Face ID, replacing the existing notch design.

Non-Pro iPhone models may have to wait until the iPhone 19 series in late 2027 to gain this under-screen biometric authentication capability.

Young also shared insights into other display changes expected for the iPhone 17 range in 2025. He anticipates a shift from low-temperature polysilicon (LTPS) to low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) across all iPhone 17 models.

Since the iPhone 14 Pro, LTPO displays have enabled the Pro models to offer an always-on display feature while preserving battery life. With this transition, the always-on functionality could become standard across the entire iPhone 17 lineup.

After implementing under-screen Face ID, Apple is expected to adopt under-panel camera technology developed by LG Innotek after 2026.

Integrating a front-facing camera beneath the display is considered a more significant engineering challenge compared to under-screen Face ID, which explains why the latter is expected to be implemented first.

As anticipation builds for the iPhone 16 family later this year, Apple is expected to rely heavily on iOS 18 and its new features to attract buyers, as the overall design is rumored to remain largely unchanged from the current generation.

FAQs

When is under-screen Face ID now expected to debut on iPhones?

The under-screen Face ID feature is anticipated to launch with the iPhone 18 Pro models in 2026, as per the latest predictions by display analyst Ross Young.

Why has the introduction of under-screen Face ID been delayed?

The delay in introducing under-screen Face ID may be due to technical challenges or strategic product planning by Apple, aiming for a more refined implementation.

What display technology changes are expected in the iPhone 17 series?

The iPhone 17 series, expected in 2025, is predicted to transition to low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) technology across all models, enabling an always-on display feature.

What technology will follow under-screen Face ID in future iPhones?

After implementing under-screen Face ID, Apple is expected to explore integrating front-facing cameras beneath the display, a technology being developed by LG Innotek.