Apple Reportedly Testing Under-Display Face ID for iPhone 18 Pro Models

A new rumor from China suggests that Apple is actively testing under-display Face ID technology for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, which are expected to launch in September 2026. If the testing is successful, this innovation could mark a major design shift for Apple’s premium smartphones.

A Sleeker Front Design for the iPhone 18 Pro Lineup The biggest benefit of moving Face ID components beneath the display would be a more seamless front design. Instead of the current notch-based layout, the iPhone 18 Pro models would feature only a single hole-punch cutout for the selfie camera, allowing for a cleaner and more modern appearance. This would align Apple's design language more closely with many of its Android competitors—most of which have already adopted punch-hole displays.

However, unlike Android devices that typically rely solely on camera-based facial recognition, Apple's under-display system would continue to offer secure 3D face scanning, preserving the high level of security users expect from Face ID.

Under-Display Face ID: Best of Both Worlds If the technology meets Apple’s standards, under-display Face ID could deliver the best of both worlds—a visually unobtrusive design combined with advanced biometric security. This would be a major step forward in reducing visual clutter on the display without sacrificing functionality.

Not for Every iPhone 18 Model According to the leak, this feature is expected to be exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Air will reportedly continue using the traditional notch design, at least for now.

Foldable iPhone Also Being Tested with Under-Display Tech Interestingly, Apple is also said to be testing under-display Face ID for its first foldable iPhone, another product that’s been circulating in rumors for quite some time. While there’s no official word on a release timeline for the foldable device, the testing of under-display biometrics indicates that Apple is laying the groundwork for future innovation across multiple product categories.

As with any early-stage testing, there’s no guarantee that the technology will be ready in time for the iPhone 18 Pro launch. Still, this development points to Apple’s ongoing efforts to refine its hardware and keep pace with industry design trends without compromising on security.