iPhone 18 Pro Series May Usher in a Bezel-Free Era with Under-Display Face ID
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models could finally eliminate the Dynamic Island by adopting a seamless under-display Face ID system.
A bold leap in display design
Apple is reportedly set to make a major aesthetic shift with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, expected in 2026. According to prominent Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station, the tech giant is testing prototypes with Face ID components hidden beneath the screen.
- This move aims to deliver a more immersive display by removing the current Dynamic Island, first introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro series.
- Both Pro models are rumored to feature LTPO OLED panels measuring 6.27 inches (Pro) and 6.86 inches (Pro Max), boasting 1.5K resolution and dynamic refresh rate technology.
Apple adopts HIAA tech for enhanced clarity
The cornerstone of this design shift is Apple’s use of HIAA (Hole-in-Active-Area) technology. This approach selectively removes pixels to allow sensors underneath the screen to function correctly.
- While under-display camera tech has been seen on Android devices like those from Samsung and ZTE, Apple’s ambitions extend beyond simple front-facing photography.
- Apple’s Face ID system, which includes components such as the dot projector, flood illuminator, and infrared camera, poses a unique engineering challenge due to its reliance on infrared light—unlike typical under-display cameras designed for visible light.
Testing in progress, but not yet mass-ready
Reports suggest that Apple has built and is actively testing working prototypes of this advanced display design.
- If successful, this would mark Apple’s first radical external redesign since the Dynamic Island era began.
- Despite progress, technical barriers and production scalability could still delay its rollout.
Gradual transition to full-screen iPhones
The shift away from the Dynamic Island has been part of Apple’s roadmap for years, with speculation dating back to the iPhone 15 series.
- The upcoming iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to shrink the Dynamic Island further.
- However, a truly uninterrupted display may not debut until the iPhone 18 Pro series in 2026, pending stable development.
Looking ahead
If Apple successfully introduces under-display Face ID and camera tech in next year’s models, it could mark a defining moment in iPhone design evolution.
- This innovation aligns with a broader industry trend toward maximizing screen real estate without compromising security or usability.
- While early leaks should be viewed cautiously, Apple’s trajectory hints at an era of cleaner, more futuristic smartphone designs.
