For years, the distinctive notch and later the Dynamic Island have been defining visual elements of the modern iPhone's front display. While functional, they represent a compromise in the pursuit of a truly seamless, all-screen design. A new wave of leaks from China now suggests Apple is making significant strides toward its ultimate goal, with key Face ID components potentially moving beneath the screen as soon as next year's flagship models.
Leak Points to Under-Display 3D Sensing Hardware
According to a recent claim from the well-known Chinese tipster "Smart Pikachu" on Weibo, Apple is actively testing prototypes for the iPhone 18 series that feature an under-display Face ID system. The leak, reported by outlets like IT之家, indicates that infrared sensors crucial for the system's 3D depth mapping are being placed under a specialized "micro-transparent glass panel." This technical approach aims to make these components invisible to the user while maintaining their functionality, a critical step in reducing the size of the front-facing cutout. The tipster specifically noted that this feature is intended for the "大杯" or "large cup" model, industry slang typically referring to the Pro variant.
Reported Target Model: The under-display Face ID feature is indicated for the high-end "Pro" model ("大杯"), not the standard version.
A Gradual Path to a Cleaner Display
This development aligns with a longer-term roadmap predicted by industry analysts. Display expert Ross Young forecasted in 2023 that an under-display Face ID system could debut in 2026. The latest leaks suggest the project is progressing, though a completely hole-free front—accommodating both Face ID and the front camera—remains a future ambition. The current testing likely focuses on shrinking the existing pill-shaped Dynamic Island by relocating only the dot projector and flood illuminator modules, with the selfie camera staying in a traditional cutout for now. This would mark the first meaningful change to the iPhone's front-facing hardware layout since the introduction of the Dynamic Island itself.
Aligned Analyst Prediction: Display analyst Ross Young previously forecasted (2023) under-display Face ID could arrive with the 2026 iPhone lineup.
Implications for Design and Supply Chain
If successfully implemented, this shift would represent a notable design evolution for the iPhone Pro lineup. Moving critical sensors under the display is a complex engineering challenge involving new materials, like the mentioned "拼接微透玻璃" (stitched micro-transparent glass), and advanced image processing algorithms to ensure security and speed are not compromised. The leak also hints that this development is "有望推动一波供应链加速," or expected to drive a wave of acceleration in the supply chain, as component manufacturers ramp up production for these new under-panel modules.
Related Product Strategy: Bloomberg reports Apple is planning a major iPhone upgrade for 2026, including new Pro models, a foldable phone, and a shifted release schedule.
Context Within Apple's Broader Product Strategy
This rumor arrives amidst reports of a significant overhaul for Apple's iPhone release schedule. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has reported that Apple plans its "biggest iPhone upgrade" for 2026, including new Pro models and a foldable device, with standard models following roughly six months later. Introducing a refined front-end design with under-display Face ID would be a key selling point for the high-end Pro models in this new strategy, helping to differentiate them more clearly from the standard versions and justify a premium positioning in a increasingly competitive market.
While these leaks offer an exciting glimpse into potential future technology, they remain unconfirmed by Apple. The company's exact plans for the iPhone 18 series will become clear as we approach its expected launch in the fall of 2026. For now, the rumors indicate that the long-held dream of an iPhone with a completely unobstructed display is inching closer to reality, one sensor at a time.