IPhone 18 Pro may have smaller Dynamic Island with Face ID technology hidden under the display

Apple plans a significant change in the design of its future smartphones, aiming to reduce the size of the Dynamic Island in the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models. Fontes from the industry indicate that the company is developing a new technology that will allow it to hide components of the Face ID system under the screen, an innovation that could be launched in September 2026.

This change represents the next step in Apple’s quest for a fully immersive, tear-free display. By moving part of the facial recognition hardware below the OLED panel, the company would be able to maintain only a circular cutout for the front camera, making the Dynamic Island more discreet and freeing up more useful space on the display for users.

The strategy follows a gradual design evolution, which aims to improve the user experience without compromising the functionality and security of the Face ID. Analistas from the technology sector point out that the technology has been in the testing phase for several years and that its implementation in 2026 would mark an intermediate step before the complete elimination of any cutout on the screen.

The evolution of the front design in the iPhone line

Since the launch of the iPhone X in 2017, the front design of the Apple devices has undergone remarkable transformations. The first model with Face ID introduced the “notch”, a prominent notch that housed the sensors and the front camera. Essa solution allowed the removal of the Home button and the adoption of a screen that extended from edge to edge, defining a new trend in the smartphone market.

In 2022, with the iPhone 14 Pro, the Apple replaced the notch with the Dynamic Island, a design solution that integrates hardware and software. The pill-shaped cutout dynamically adapts to display real-time alerts, notifications and activity, transforming a physical limitation into an interactive feature. The innovation was well received, and the company maintained it in subsequent models, prioritizing the stability of the ecosystem of accessories and applications.

Details of the new Face ID technology

The Face ID system relies on multiple components to function accurately, including an infrared illuminator, a dot projector, and the front camera. The new technology being developed by Apple plans to reposition the infrared illuminator to an area under the screen, making it invisible during normal use of the device. Essa change alone would allow a considerable reduction in the size of the visible area of ​​Dynamic Island, without affecting the quality of facial recognition. The dot projector can also be integrated into the display, leaving only the front camera in a small circular cutout. Testes internals suggest that the technology maintains unlocking speed and security by projecting more than 30,000 invisible points onto the user’s face to create an accurate depth map, which is compared with data stored in the processor’s Secure Enclave.

Conflicting rumors and the current consensus

Initial information released by some sources suggested an asymmetrical design, with the camera cutout being moved to the top left corner of the screen. Essa possibility generated debates in the technology community about the impact on the device’s visual symmetry.

However, more recent reports and reports from analysts with a reliable track record of predicting Apple have refuted this idea. The current consensus points to a more conservative approach: maintaining a centralized, but significantly smaller, cutout, preserving the visual identity that users already associate with Dynamic Island.

Comparison with competitors Android

Manufacturers of Android devices, like the Samsung, have been exploring under-screen camera technologies for some time, especially in foldable models like the Galaxy Z Fold line. Esses devices can completely hide the front camera when it is not in use.

Despite advances, the quality of images captured by these cameras is still a point of debate, especially in low light conditions, where clarity can be compromised. Apple, known for its strict quality control, adopts a more cautious stance.

The company prefers to wait until the technology reaches a level of maturity that does not compromise the performance of the selfie camera or the security of the Face ID, which continues to be considered more secure than the under-screen fingerprint readers used by most competitors.

Other news expected for the iPhone 18 line

In addition to the change in the front design, the iPhone 18 line should bring other important updates. Espera The series is made up of the standard models, Plus, Pro and Pro Max, maintaining the brand’s current segmentation.

The Pro models must receive OLED panels with more efficient LTPO technology, allowing variable refresh rates that optimize energy consumption. Performance will be boosted by the new A20 processor, which must be manufactured using a 2 nanometer process, promising gains in speed and energy efficiency.

Connectivity is also expected to be improved, with expanded support for satellite communication, allowing messages to be sent even in areas without cellular network coverage. The structure of the Pro devices can feature reinforced titanium and a refined rear design.

The focus on artificial intelligence should be even greater, with the A20 chip being designed to perform complex machine learning tasks directly on the device, improving features of the camera, the Siri assistant and other operating system features.

Release expectations

Following the traditional Apple schedule, the official announcement of the iPhone 18 line should take place at a special event in September 2026. Mass production in the industrial complexes of partners such as Foxconn and Pegatron will begin months in advance to guarantee the necessary stock for the global launch.

What changes for the Apple ecosystem

The potential reduction of Dynamic Island directly impacts application developers, who will need to adapt their interfaces to take advantage of the new available screen space. Apple must provide new human interface guidelines and APIs to ensure a smooth transition.

For manufacturers of accessories such as protective films and covers, the change will require the creation of new molds that perfectly fit the revised display shape. The change consolidates Apple’s position in the premium segment, balancing innovation with the usability and aesthetics of its ecosystem.