As the tech world looks beyond Apple's 2025 releases, the rumor mill has firmly shifted its focus to the iPhone 18, expected in late 2026. The latest whispers point to a significant design evolution for the front of the device, with Apple reportedly testing technology that could fundamentally change the smartphone's face. This centers on the ambitious goal of moving the TrueDepth camera system for Face ID beneath the display, a move that promises a cleaner, more immersive screen but comes with well-documented technical challenges.
Apple Reportedly Testing In-Screen Face ID for iPhone 18
According to recent leaks from sources like tipster Smart Pikachu on Weibo, Apple has begun testing components for the iPhone 18 that involve "under-display 3D technology" and the "splicing of micro-transparent glass." This technical process is believed to be related to embedding the complex array of sensors required for Face ID underneath the OLED panel. If successful, this innovation would allow Apple to significantly reduce or even eliminate the current pill-shaped Dynamic Island cutout, potentially leaving only a single, smaller punch-hole for the front-facing camera. This aligns with a broader, long-term company ambition to create a "full screen" iPhone devoid of any visible front-facing hardware.
Potential iPhone 18 Design Impact:
- Current Design (iPhone 15/16 Pro): Dynamic Island (pill-shaped cutout) housing Face ID sensors and front camera.
- Potential iPhone 18 Design (if rumor is true): Single, smaller punch-hole cutout for the front-facing camera only, with Face ID sensors hidden under the display.
- Future Goal ("Full Screen" iPhone): No visible front cutouts, with all sensors and the camera under the display.
The Potential Trade-Off: Seamless Design vs. Camera Quality
The primary allure of an under-display camera is aesthetic, offering an unobstructed, edge-to-edge viewing experience. However, history from other manufacturers serves as a cautionary tale. Competitors like Samsung, which introduced an under-display camera with the Galaxy Z Fold 3 in 2021, and brands like RedMagic, have struggled with the inherent optical compromise. Placing a camera behind a display layer, even a specialized micro-transparent one, typically results in reduced light intake, diffraction, and a noticeable drop in image quality, particularly for selfies. The rumor acknowledges that Apple's software processing "magic" would be critical to mitigating these effects, but whether it can fully overcome the physics remains the central unanswered question for this potential feature.
Historical Context & Challenges:
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 (2021): Featured an under-display camera (UPC). Image quality was criticized, leading to a return to a traditional punch-hole camera in later models like the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
- RedMagic 11 Pro: Another device with a UPC, where review notes indicated subpar selfie camera performance.
- Core Challenge: The display layer inherently reduces light and can cause haze/diffraction, degrading photo quality.
Conflicting Timelines and the Road to a True Full-Screen iPhone
The rumor landscape presents conflicting timelines for this technology's debut. While some leaks peg the under-display Face ID for the iPhone 18 series in 2026, other credible reports, including from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, suggest a more conservative schedule. This alternative timeline indicates that Apple may only minimize the Dynamic Island in the iPhone 18, saving the complete under-display implementation for a later, more significant launch. Speculation points to 2027 and a potential "iPhone 20" moniker to commemorate the iPhone's 20th anniversary as the target for the first truly "full screen" model with all front-facing components hidden.
What This Means for the Future iPhone Lineup
The integration of in-screen Face ID is more than just a cosmetic update; it represents a key step in Apple's multi-year display technology roadmap. Success with the iPhone 18 or a subsequent model would validate significant R&D investment and set a new standard for smartphone design. However, Apple is known for prioritizing user experience and feature reliability. The company is unlikely to ship the technology until it meets its high standards for security authentication accuracy and camera performance. Therefore, while testing is reportedly underway, consumers should view the 2026 launch window for a perfected under-display Face ID as plausible but not guaranteed, with a later arrival being a distinct possibility.