iPhone 18 Pro could debut with under-display Face ID, smaller Dynamic Island
A port-less iPhone is very much a possibility
by Kishalaya Kundu · TechSpotServing tech enthusiasts for over 25 years.
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Something to look forward to: Face ID has long been an integral part of the iPhone, but it requires a sizable Dynamic Island at the top of the display. While this design is a significant improvement over the notch, it still appears outdated compared to modern smartphones. Apple is now reportedly planning to refine the design by introducing under-display Face ID.
Future iPhone Pro models will likely feature under-display Face ID within the next few years, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. As part of this transition, Apple reportedly plans to move "some components" of the Dynamic Island beneath the screen, aligning with its goal of reducing the feature's size and delivering an "uninterrupted screen."
Gurman did not provide a specific timeline for the rollout but indicated that the change could arrive as early as 2026 or 2027. If accurate, this means the iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 19 Pro may be the first models to adopt the redesigned display.
Rumors of iPhones featuring under-display facial recognition have circulated for several years, with various sources suggesting that Apple has been working on the feature for future models. In 2022, TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed that the full-screen iPhone might become a reality by 2024. However, this highly anticipated design refresh has yet to materialize.
In May 2024, renowned display analyst Ross Young reported that the full-screen iPhone had been delayed until 2026. While there has been little new information on the topic since then, the latest reports suggest that iPhone Pro models could soon adopt the much-awaited change, bringing full-screen displays with a punch-hole camera cutout. Should it materialize, the change would make flagship iPhones look more like their Android counterparts.
Additionally, Gurman claims that Apple had initially planned to introduce a rumored port-less iPhone design with the iPhone 17 Air later this year. However, the company abandoned the idea, citing regulatory concerns in the European Union, which mandates that all mobile devices use USB-C connectors. Despite this setback, if the iPhone 17 proves to be a hit, Apple could still launch a port-less iPhone in the near future.