Recent reports indicate that the release timeline for the iPhone 18 might come with significant changes. According to a source from Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the models iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are testing the implementation of under-screen Face ID technology. This shift could lead to the presence of a minimal front-facing camera positioned in the top-left corner of the display.
“I confirmed with contacts within Apple’s supply chain recently. The iPhone 18/18 Pro Max is indeed experimenting with a 3D facial recognition system under the display, featuring a single HIAA hole, while the iPhone 18e employs a standard 2+1 hole design,” the leaker stated (translated from Chinese).
Although this news remains unverified, such a transition would be surprising. Apple has always emphasized the pixel density of its screens, which poses a challenge for an under-screen Face ID system. This technology relies on projecting thousands of infrared dots to create a precise topographical map of a user’s face. While a standard front camera captures this mapping efficiently, OLED displays, like those anticipated in the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, can obstruct and scatter infrared light.
For Apple to implement under-screen Face ID successfully, the company must ensure that the infrared light can pass through the OLED panels without compromising display quality. This is likely a significant factor in why the upcoming iPhone 18 series will include this technology, rather than the already announced iPhone 17, as it necessitates careful development and extensive testing.
The standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e models are expected to continue using the traditional approach, with front-facing sensors integrated into the Dynamic Island. These models are scheduled for release in the spring of 2027, following the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, reflecting a new product launch strategy.
The iPhone 18 launch will coincide with the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone, and Apple appears poised to introduce noteworthy changes. Moreover, a foldable iPhone may debut around the same time, contributing to the reasoning behind this altered release schedule.
