IPhone 18 Pro adopts under-screen Face ID and eliminates Dynamic Island in complete redesign for 2026

Apple

Apple - bluestork/ Shutterstock.com

Recent rumors indicate that the Apple is preparing a significant change in the front design of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18

This change represents the biggest redesign at the top of the screen since the introduction of the notch on the iPhone X in 2017. The front camera would be reduced to a small circular cutout, possibly positioned in the top left corner, freeing up more usable area for content.

Industry analysts point out that the transition to invisible sensors improves visual immersion in videos, games and applications. Usuários would gain a closer to ideal full-screen experience on premium devices.

Apple logo – Tada Images/shutterstock.com

Evolution of the front design on iPhones

The Apple introduced the wide notch on the iPhone X to accommodate the TrueDepth facial recognition system. Essa solution marked the removal of the home button and the adoption of gestures for navigation, but it took up considerable space at the top of the screen.

Starting with the iPhone 14 Pro, the company replaced the notch with a pill-shaped cutout combined with the Dynamic Island. Essa functionality turns the area into an interactive space for notifications, music controls and background activity indicators.

Now, leaks suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro line moves towards completely hidden sensors. The technology allows specific areas of the display to become transparent to the infrared light used by the Face ID, maintaining recognition accuracy.

Technology behind the Face ID under display

The under-screen Face ID system utilizes advanced OLED panels capable of hiding optical components without compromising image quality. Depth and infrared sensors operate through special layers that filter visible light but allow necessary signals to pass through.

Manufacturers such as Samsung and Google already apply variations of this technique to under-display front cameras on Android models. In the case of the Apple, the implementation combines total hiding of the Face ID with a minimal cutout just for the selfie camera.

  • Maintaining the high-level biometric security characteristic of the Face ID.
  • Reduced visual interference when displaying content in full screen.
  • Possibility of expanding Dynamic Island’s interactive features to other areas of the interface.
  • Improved durability against impacts in the frontal region.

Other improvements expected on the screens

iPhone 18 Pro models should receive LTPO+ panels with variable refresh rate up to 120 Hz in 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch sizes. Essa evolution offers greater energy efficiency compared to previous generations of displays.

Tandem OLED technology, tested in recent versions of the iPad Pro, can be adapted to increase brightness and battery life. Usuários would notice gains in autonomy during intense media use and games.

Advancements in processor and connectivity

The A20 Pro chip, manufactured using a 2-nanometer process, promises gains of up to 15% in performance and a 30% reduction in energy consumption. The inclusion of 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM optimizes artificial intelligence tasks directly on the device.

The Apple plans to integrate its own 5G modem and chip dedicated to the Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Essas updates improve connection speeds and stability in dense networks.

Camera system upgrades

The main camera must adopt a 48 megapixel sensor with variable aperture for automatic light control in different conditions. The front can reach 18 megapixels, with better performance in low-light environments.

New stacked layers developed in partnership with South Korean suppliers increase detail capture. Recursos optical zoom and stabilization receive additional refinements.

Comparison with competitors in the market

Android manufacturers such as Samsung and Google already offer under-display cameras in premium lines, albeit with initial compromises in image quality. Apple seeks to overcome these limitations by applying the technique exclusively to the Face ID.

Models such as Galaxy Z Fold and Pixel 9 Pro Fold demonstrate the commercial viability of the technology. The entry of Apple into the segment reinforces the trend towards screens without visible interruptions.

Benefits for daily use

Removing Dynamic Island expands the usable area for viewing wide-format videos and immersive games. Notificações remain accessible through interface alternatives, preserving practicality.

Professionals who use the device to edit content gain extra space on the screen. The move aligns the iPhone with growing demands for minimalist designs.

Challenges in scale production

Implementing under-display sensors requires high precision when assembling OLED panels. Testes internals verify maintaining the accuracy of the Face ID at different angles and lighting conditions.

Suppliers adjust production lines to meet Apple volumes. The gradual transition ensures consistent quality across end devices.

Expectations for the launch

The iPhone 18 Pro line hits stores in September 2026, following the Apple annual calendar. The official Apresentação should take place at a dedicated event, with full details about the news.

Consumers await confirmation of prices and storage options, which can reach up to 2 TB. The combination of front redesign and internal improvements positions the models as a reference in the premium segment.

Janderson Luiz: Janderson Luiz é colaborador da redação do Mix Vale, portal de notícias com cobertura de Brasil e mundo. Produz conteúdo nas editorias de economia e benefícios, com foco em informação de serviço para o leitor brasileiro. Escreve para o portal desde 2024. Formação: Atleta Profissional de Futebol