Apple has long been working on embedding Face ID into the display, with recent report suggesting that this will finally happen in the iPhone 18 Pro.
That idea today got a big boost in credibility, with a new development making the end of the Dynamic Island seem almost a done deal …
In-display Face ID
We know from Apple patents that the company has been working on in-display Face ID for a number of years. The idea is to embed both the dot transmitter and receiver beneath the display, so that the tech no longer requires a cutout.
Once this can be achieved, Apple can drop the Dynamic Island, replacing it with a single punch-hole for the front-facing camera (embedding that beneath the display will take significantly longer).
Pointers to the iPhone 18 Pro
An Apple patent published this year appeared to suggest that Apple had finally solved the biggest problem with this – namely, that infrared light doesn’t travel well through displays. The solution Apple describes is to remove subpixels from the display in a way that won’t be noticeable.
The Information reported earlier this month that the company would finally launch this tech in the two iPhone 18 Pro models.
The design of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will include only a small hole cutout in the top-left corner to accommodate the front-facing camera, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter.
Another solid reason to believe it
A company long-rumored to be working with Apple on this has now said that it expects its technology to be used in a smartphone going on sale in 2026.
Noted display analyst Ross Young finds the claim credible, and says this points to the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.
At the SID Business Conference today, OTI Lumionics CEO Michael Helander confirmed that they expect phones with under panel Face ID using their materials to be available for sale in 2026. This suggests that iPhone 18 Pro models will have under panel Face ID with other brands and models to follow.
9to5Mac’s Take
Given that the tech actually exists, and claims of it being used next year are backed by Ross Young, it seems this is now a very likely bet.
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