iPhone 18 Leak: Under-Display Face ID on the Horizon for 2026?Yes, a fresh leak from Chinese supply-chain sources is reigniting excitement—and some skepticism—about Apple finally ditching the visible notch or Dynamic Island cutout for Face ID. According to a Weibo post from reliable leaker “Smart Pikachu” (known for accurate Android hardware tips that often cross over to Apple intel), the iPhone 18 series—expected to launch in September 2026—will incorporate under-display Face ID technology.
This would tuck the TrueDepth camera system’s infrared sensors (projector, flood illuminator, and dot projector) beneath the OLED screen, potentially shrinking or eliminating the current pill-shaped Dynamic Island for a sleeker, edge-to-edge look.The timing aligns with Apple’s annual refresh cycle: We’re just past the iPhone 17’s September 2025 debut, so iPhone 18 rumors are heating up as prototypes enter testing. However, this isn’t a unanimous prediction—leaks have flip-flopped on the feature’s arrival, with some September 2025 reports claiming a smaller Dynamic Island without under-display tech, and a November 2025 tip suggesting a delay to 2027.
Smart Pikachu’s update, shared over the weekend, counters that by confirming active testing, making it the most bullish signal yet.The Tech Behind the Magic: “Spliced Micro-Transparent Glass”The key innovation? A custom “spliced micro-transparent glass” layer embedded in the display. This specialized window allows infrared light to pass through undistorted, ensuring Face ID’s 3D facial mapping remains accurate without compromising screen quality. Apple has reportedly instructed suppliers (like those for LTPO OLED panels) to ramp up production, hinting at high confidence. It’s not fully invisible—analyst Ross Young notes the Dynamic Island might persist but in a slimmer form, while the front-facing selfie camera could stay as a tiny top-left hole-punch (no under-display camera yet, per conflicting reports).
| Model | Expected Screen Size | Under-Display Face ID? | Other Display Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 (base) | ~6.1″ OLED | Unclear (leak says “series,” but base models often lag Pro features) | Standard 60Hz; possible slimmed Dynamic Island |
| iPhone 18 Pro | 6.27″ LTPO OLED (1.5K res) | Yes, in testing | ProMotion 120Hz; micro-transparent glass for IR passthrough |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | 6.86″ LTPO OLED (1.5K res) | Yes | Same as Pro; potential for even smaller cutout |
| iPhone 18 Fold/Air | Foldable (~7.8″ unfolded) or ultra-thin | Likely yes (Pro-level tech) | Experimental; could debut with full under-screen setup |
This builds on earlier 2025 rumors, like The Information’s May report of prototypes with a single hole-punch and under-screen sensors, or Digital Chat Station’s June claim of HIAA selfie tech paired with Face ID relocation. If realized, it’d mark a huge leap from the iPhone X’s 2017 notch debut, closing in on the “all-screen” aesthetic rivals like Samsung have teased (though their under-display cams have faced quality gripes).
Why Now? And What’s the Catch?Apple’s motivation is clear: A bezel-free front would boost immersion for AR/VR (think Vision Pro integration) and aesthetics, especially as the iPhone hits its 20th anniversary in 2027 with rumors of zero cutouts. But challenges abound—IR sensors need precise calibration to avoid dimming or lag, and yield rates for such panels could hike costs (Pro models already start ~$1,099). Plus, conflicting leaks (e.g., Instant Digital’s September denial) suggest Apple might pivot to a hybrid: Under-display Face ID with a vestigial Dynamic Island for the proximity/ambient sensors.On X, the chatter is electric but cautious—posts from tech accounts like
@Primepost99 hype the “major design shift” for Pro models, while others (@MunshiPremChnd) quip about the “leaky boat” of endless rumors. Enthusiasts are buzzing about prototypes succeeding in tests, but veterans warn of the classic Apple cycle: Tease, test, tweak, or table.Bottom line: This leak feels more credible than past ones, thanks to the supplier acceleration nod, but take it with a grain of salt—Apple’s secrecy means nothing’s locked until WWDC 2026 keynotes. If it lands, expect it first on Pro and Fold variants; base models might wait. For now, it’s a tantalizing step toward notch-free iPhones. Keep an eye on Weibo for more drips—Smart Pikachu’s batting average is solid.