iPhone 18 Pro Rumored to Feature Under-Display Face ID in 2026
The iPhone's iconic front design could see another major evolution in 2026. According to multiple credible sources, Apple is expected to bring under-display Face ID technology to its iPhone 18 Pro models.
From Notch to Dynamic Island — and Beyond
Apple introduced the notch in 2017 with the iPhone X to accommodate Face ID sensors. This evolved into the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro to accommodate the Face ID system. But if the latest rumors are accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro will take another leap by hiding Face ID components beneath the display, eliminating the need for a dedicated cutout.
According to Ross Young, a trusted source for display-related leaks, OTI Lumionics CEO Michael Helander confirmed that phones with under-display Face ID are expected to launch in 2026. This strongly suggests the iPhone 18 Pro will be one of the first to adopt the technology.
What Will the Front Look Like?
If Apple moves Face ID sensors beneath the display, the iPhone 18 Pro may only have a small pinhole cutout for the front camera, marking the end of the pill-shaped Dynamic Island cutout.
Security Comes First
Apple is unlikely to implement under-display Face ID unless the technology matches or surpasses the performance, speed, and reliability of the current exposed sensors. It’s a delicate balance between form and function, and Apple won’t make the leap unless it checks all the boxes.
A Logical Timeline
The notch stuck around for five years before the Dynamic Island appeared. Now, four years after that change, Apple seems poised to move toward an even more streamlined design with the iPhone 18 Pro in 2026. If everything lines up, the next major iPhone redesign may be just around the corner.