iPhone 18 leaks: Apple may finally hide Face ID under the display next year

After years of rumours, Apple may finally be bringing an in-screen Face ID with the iPhone 18 lineup next year if a new leak is to be believed. The Cupertino based tech giant is testing an in-dispay Face ID system using "spliced micro-transparent glass", a Chinese leaker on Weibo claimed.

As per “Smart Pikachu,” on Weibo, Apple is testing a new way to allow its TrueDepth system's infrared sensors to pass from the display without any distortion. The tipster claims that Apple has already notified the suppliers to accelerate the supply chain for potential new technology.

However, the new report only mentions iPhone 18 series, not giving any specific details on which iPhone 18 models could get the Face ID technology. With the implementation of new technology, the size of Dynamic Island on iPhones could be dramatically reduced, and potentially lead to just a cut out for camera, similar to the mechanism seen on top Android devices.

A report by The Information earlier this year had also claimed that iPhone 18 Pro models will not come with Dynamic Island and instead feature a pinhole cutout for camera on the upper left corner of the display. However, other leaks have suggested that the Dynamic Island is likely to stay on the iPhones, though it size may be reduced.

Analyst Ross Young has previously stated that the iPhone 18 Pro models could come with under-display Face ID but the Dynamic Island may not be fully discarded. Meanwhile, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has noted that the iPhone 18 series could come with a slimmed-down Dynamic Island, and not a fully under-display Face ID system.

Meanwhile, Apple could launch iPhone 18 Pro series and its first ever foldable iPhone in September. There isn't much known about the iPhone 18 Pro models yet but leaks hint that the phone could run on the A20 processor based on 2nm process that could lead to better performance and battery life. They could also run on Apple's in-house C2 modem, ditching Qualcomm even on the Pro lineup.

Prior to that, the company is also said to be launching its entry level device, the iPhone 17e in early 2026 which could serve as the cheapest device to come with Apple Intelligence support.