The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max may be getting a significant design overhaul, featuring under-screen Face ID and a smaller front-facing camera nestled in the top-left corner of the display. This information comes from a Weibo post by Digital Chat Station, a leaker known for providing insights into Apple’s supply chain.
According to the translated post, Apple is currently testing under-screen 3D facial recognition for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, incorporating a single, small hole for the camera. This contrasts with the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Air, which are expected to retain the current “2+1 hole” design.
Face ID on the iPhone 16e
This potential shift is notable, considering Apple’s emphasis on display pixel density. The high density of pixels in OLED displays, like those used in the Pro models, presents a challenge for under-screen Face ID. The technology relies on projecting infrared dots onto the user’s face to create a detailed 3D map. OLED panels can interfere with this process by blocking and scattering the infrared light.
Apple will need to develop a solution that allows the infrared light to pass through or between the OLED pixels without compromising display quality. This technical hurdle likely explains why this change is slated for the iPhone 18 series rather than the iPhone 17. Implementing such technology, whether through hardware modifications or software compensation, will necessitate rigorous testing and refinement before it’s ready for consumers.
Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are anticipated to maintain the existing Face ID system, with sensors housed within the Dynamic Island. These models are reportedly scheduled for a spring 2027 release, six months after the Pro and Pro Max versions, as part of a revised launch strategy.
The iPhone 18 represents the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone, and these rumored changes suggest Apple is aiming for a significant refresh. A foldable iPhone is also rumored to be in development, potentially launching around the same time as the iPhone 18. These developments might explain the shift in Apple’s release schedule.
