Apple began active testing of prototypes of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max line with significant changes to the front design. Essas changes include implementing the Face ID completely under the screen and repositioning the front camera to the top left corner. The company seeks to reduce visual interruptions on the screen and get closer to a cleaner, more immersive look. The devices are now entering the hardware validation phase for possible launch in September 2026.
The prototypes eliminate the Dynamic Island present since the iPhone 14 Pro. In its place, there is only a small hole for the selfie camera. Essa configuration allows for greater usable display area and improves the experience in full-screen applications.
Among the main technical innovations expected are:
- Face ID with TrueDepth sensors positioned under the OLED panel.
- Front camera moved to the corner, similar to older competitor designs.
- Use of micro-transparent materials to maintain facial recognition accuracy.
- LTPO screens with a rate of 120 Hz on all models in the series.
The company remains officially silent on these developments. Fontes close to the supply chain confirm that tests are progressing intensively in the company’s laboratories at Califórnia.
Evolution of the front design on iPhones
The front design of iPhones has undergone gradual transformations since the introduction of the notch on the iPhone The solution met the technical needs of the time, but took up considerable space at the top of the screen.
With the arrival of the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro, the Apple transformed the cutout into an interactive element. The feature allowed dynamic notifications and quick controls, making better use of the area previously considered lost. Essa change received praise for making the notch more functional rather than just a visual hindrance.
Now, iPhone 18 Pro prototypes indicate the natural next step. The complete removal of the Face ID from the visible surface represents a significant technical advancement. The company has been working for years on display technologies that allow hidden sensors without loss of quality.
Technical details of the new Face ID under screen
Implementing the Face ID under the screen requires complex adaptations to the optical components. TrueDepth sensors need to operate through the OLED panel without visible interference. Apple evaluates the use of micro-transparent glasses that maintain the infrared light transmission necessary for accurate facial recognition.
More on this story: Supposed real image indicates smaller Dynamic Island for iPhone 18 Pro line in 2027
In-house testing shows promising results in varying lighting conditions. The technology must preserve the system’s signature biometric security, which remains superior to fingerprint-only solutions on competing devices.
The prototypes also adjust the positioning of the front camera to the left corner. Essa choice frees up central space for the Face ID’s hidden sensors. The resulting hole becomes smaller and less intrusive than the current Dynamic Island.
Company engineers perform extensive durability and performance validations. The changes do not affect water and dust resistance, maintaining the IP68 certification expected in the line.
Expected specifications for the iPhone 18 Pro
The iPhone 18 Pro series is expected to bring comprehensive improvements beyond the front design. The A20 Pro processor, manufactured using a 2 nm process, promises gains of up to 15% in performance and energy efficiency. Essa evolution benefits intense tasks like video editing and demanding games.
The Super Retina XDR OLED screen remains 6.3 inches in the standard model and reaches 6.9 inches in the Pro Max. Ambas has a refresh rate of 120 Hz via LTPO technology. Protection continues with reinforced Ceramic Shield.
In the photographic set, new features include:
On the same topic: IPhone 18 Pro will have 35% smaller Dynamic Island with under-screen technology
- Triple rear camera with 48 MP main sensors.
- Variable aperture system for better depth control in portraits.
- Up to 18 MP front camera with improved autofocus.
- 8K video recording with advanced stabilization.
Storage varies between 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB. The battery reaches around 4,252 mAh in the standard model, with support for MagSafe charging of up to 25 W.
Connectivity covers advanced 5G, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0. Recursos as the action button and dedicated camera control remain present.
Comparison with competitor solutions
Android manufacturers have adopted under-display technologies for a longer time, especially in foldable models. Samsung has implemented hidden front cameras in its Galaxy Z Fold lineup since 2020. However, image quality still has limitations compared to traditional hole-punch solutions.
Google and other Chinese brands are also exploring under-display sensors in premium devices. Essas implementations prioritize all-screen design, but often sacrifice accuracy in advanced facial recognition. The Face ID of the Apple maintains an advantage in security and speed.
The repositioning of the camera to the corner recalls designs from the Galaxy S10 from 2019. Naquela time, Samsung opted for the right corner to minimize interference. Apple appears to follow similar logic, but with a focus on hiding the entire biometric system.
Benefits for the end user
Removing Dynamic Island increases the usable screen area in apps and videos. Usuários gain greater immersion in full-screen content without visible interruptions at the top. Jogos and streaming benefit directly from this expansion.
Facial recognition remains fast and secure even with Face ID hidden. Testes indicate that the technology maintains performance in different angles and light conditions. The change does not require adaptations to the daily use of the device.
Learn more: Apple faces technical difficulties and must gradually reduce Dynamic Island on iPhone 18 Pro
The front camera in the corner can slightly change the composition of selfies. However, software algorithms compensate for positioning with automatic framing adjustments.
Other news in the iPhone 18 line
The complete series must include standard models with Dynamic Island maintained. Esses devices receive incremental updates to processor and cameras. The Apple plans to clearly differentiate the Pro versions with unique display features.
Rumors point to a possible price increase in some markets due to the component crisis. The company evaluates selective adjustments to offset production costs for new technologies.
iOS 27 arrives pre-installed with optimizations for the new hardware. Recursos artificial intelligence comes to the fore, taking advantage of the A20 Pro’s improved neural engine.
The supply chain is already preparing components for mass production. Fornecedores of LTPO screens increase capacity to meet expected demand in the second half of 2026.
Launch and market perspectives
The traditional launch takes place in September 2026. Apple maintains the annual calendar for its main line of smartphones. Pré-sales must start right after the presentation event.
Analysts predict strong interest in the Pro models due to the visual changes. The elimination of Dynamic Island represents an important milestone in the evolution of the company’s design.
Competitors closely observe Apple’s advances in this area. Tecnologias under-display could become industry standard in the coming years.