iPhone 18 Pro Leak Reveals Under-Display Face ID
Apple may be on the verge of a major design breakthrough for the iPhone 18 Pro. Recent leaks suggest the tech giant is testing under-screen Face ID using a “spliced micro-transparent glass” window built directly into the display. This innovation could allow TrueDepth sensors to function seamlessly beneath the panel, potentially reshaping how Apple handles facial recognition on its flagship devices.
What the Leak Tells Us About TrueDepth Sensors
The leak originates from the Weibo account "Smart Pikachu," known for accurate insights into Chinese supply chains and smartphone hardware. According to the post, Apple’s micro-transparent glass allows infrared sensors to pass through without distortion. This is a key step toward under-display Face ID, mirroring techniques already used in some Android devices that rely on micro-perforated or nano-patterned glass for precise IR transmission.
Suppliers Already Preparing for Production
Sources indicate that Apple’s experimentation with this glass has prompted suppliers to ramp up production planning. While it’s still early, these moves suggest the company is serious about integrating under-display Face ID into the iPhone 18 Pro. Industry observers note that supplier readiness often signals a higher likelihood that the feature will appear in mass-produced devices.
Dynamic Island: What Changes Could Be Coming
Rumors around the iPhone 18 Pro’s display have been conflicting. Earlier reports claimed Apple might remove the Dynamic Island entirely, replacing it with a simple pinhole cutout in the upper left corner. However, more recent insights suggest the feature could remain, albeit smaller. Analyst Ross Young explains that under-display Face ID doesn’t automatically eliminate the Dynamic Island; rather, the pill-shaped cutout could shrink to accommodate the new sensor layout.
Mark Gurman Weighs In
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has also chimed in, predicting a slimmer Dynamic Island for the upcoming iPhone models. Combining Gurman’s insight with the Smart Pikachu leak, it appears Apple could be balancing advanced under-display Face ID technology with a more compact front-facing camera cutout. The result may be a cleaner, more seamless front display without sacrificing functionality.
How the Micro-Transparent Glass Works
The proposed solution relies on a small, localized section of glass engineered to allow infrared light to pass with minimal interference. This design is essential for under-display Face ID, ensuring that facial recognition remains accurate even with a layer of glass above the sensors. Such a system represents a significant engineering feat for Apple, blending aesthetics with performance.
What This Means for iPhone 18 Pro Users
If Apple successfully integrates under-display Face ID, iPhone 18 Pro users could enjoy a more immersive display experience. The smaller Dynamic Island would free up screen real estate, while advanced sensors under the glass could improve facial recognition speed and accuracy. These enhancements would mark one of the biggest design shifts since Apple introduced the notch in 2017.
Timeline for Release
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 18 Pro models in September 2026, alongside a rumored foldable iPhone. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 18 and a budget-friendly iPhone 18e might not arrive until early 2027. This staggered release cycle underscores Apple’s focus on high-end innovation for its flagship Pro models first.
What Analysts Are Saying
Industry analysts are cautiously optimistic. While supply-chain leaks can be unreliable, the convergence of multiple credible sources adds weight to the under-display Face ID theory. If Apple achieves this goal, it could set a new benchmark in smartphone design, pushing competitors to follow suit.
What’s Next for Apple
The coming months will likely see additional leaks as Apple finalizes its iPhone 18 Pro design. Key areas to watch include Dynamic Island adjustments, TrueDepth sensor performance under glass, and potential trade-offs between screen real estate and hardware placement. Apple’s ability to balance innovation with usability will determine how revolutionary the final product truly is.
Why This Matters for Consumers
For consumers, under-display Face ID could make the iPhone 18 Pro feel more futuristic than ever. A sleeker, less obstructed display combined with faster facial recognition would not only improve the look and feel of the device but also enhance daily usability. These changes could cement the iPhone 18 Pro as a must-have for tech enthusiasts and loyal Apple users alike.
