June 20, 2025, 5:57 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Even before the iPhone 17 was unveiled, initial details about the successor model are already leaking. Apple is reportedly planning a radical design change for the iPhone 18 Pro’s display. According to insiders, the company might hide the Face ID sensors under the screen for the first time in 2026—a significant step toward a completely bezel-less anniversary model in 2027.
According to the reliable leaker “Digital Chat Station,” Apple is already testing the new Face ID concept for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. The sensors are expected to disappear invisibly under the display. The goal is to visually align with modern Android flagships and maximize the screen area on the iPhone.
Invisible Face ID in iPhone 18 Just the First Step
For a long time, the Face ID sensors were part of the so-called notch, a cutout at the top of the display where Apple also placed the front camera. With the iPhone 14 Pro, Apple switched from the notch to Dynamic Island, which enables additional functions. However, Apple seems to be moving away from that in the long term. The manufacturer is reportedly testing a hidden 3D facial recognition system that, despite invisible hardware, should capture precise depth information through infrared projection. This would make the visible Dynamic Island element unnecessary.
The notch or Dynamic Island is unlikely to completely disappear with the iPhone 18 generation expected in 2026. The front camera is still expected to remain as a visible punch hole. This transitional solution, in the form of a small, circular cutout, resembles the design of many Android devices. A complete integration of the camera under the display is anticipated for the iPhone 19 in 2027. Then, Apple could present a continuous, bezel-less display without any cutouts.
Read also: How Dynamic Island Works
Does the iPhone 18 Have Hidden Face ID After All?
Apple Plans to Downsize a Key Element for iPhone 18
Technical Challenges in Implementation
Implementing the currently discussed plans could pose challenges for Apple. Particularly, the Face ID technology requires precise calibration of hardware and software to avoid optical losses through the display. While Face ID is based on infrared light, the selfie camera requires visible light—making integration significantly more difficult. Nevertheless, Apple is said to have already made progress, so a notch-free display could become a reality in 2026.
In addition to the display revolution, a new chip based on 2-nanometer technology is also being discussed for the iPhone 18 Pro. This chip is expected to not only boost performance but also improve energy efficiency—which could positively impact battery life.
iPhone 17 Initially in Focus
First, however, the iPhone 17 in fall 2025 is on the agenda, which is rumored to bring a slightly revised rear design. Despite early hints about the iPhone 18, it remains uncertain whether Apple can stick to its schedule—after all, display innovations have often failed due to technical hurdles in the past.