California – 14 May 2025:
Apple is reportedly preparing a major redesign for its 2026 iPhone 18 Pro lineup, with plans to feature Face ID sensors hidden beneath the display, eliminating the need for the familiar pill-shaped cutout seen in current models. The revelation comes from Ross Young, vice president at Counterpoint Research and a well-known source for display technology leaks.
OTI Lumionics, a company specializing in advanced display materials, is expected to play a key role in this innovation. Michael Helander, CEO of OTI Lumionics, confirmed this development during a presentation at the SID Business Conference, noting that smartphones with under-display Face ID are likely to hit the market by 2026.
According to Young, these developments strongly indicate that Apple plans to integrate this cutting-edge under-display Face ID technology into the iPhone 18 Pro models, expected to be launched in September 2026.
This move would signify a major shift in Apple’s design philosophy, as the company seeks to eliminate the current pill-shaped cutout in favor of a more seamless display experience. The new design could allow Apple to keep only a small hole for the front-facing camera, likely positioned in the top-left corner of the screen. However, the company has yet to confirm any official details about the iPhone 18 Pro’s design or functionality.
In line with these leaks, The Information also reported similar developments, citing sources familiar with Apple’s plans. The report suggests that this redesign could also mark the potential end of the Dynamic Island interface, first introduced in the iPhone 14 Pro. While it remains uncertain whether the Dynamic Island will be phased out, the under-display Face ID innovation could pave the way for a more integrated, unobtrusive user interface in future iPhones.
