Samsung Display is advancing in the development of a new generation of OLED panels that promises to revolutionize the design of future Apple smartphones. The main innovation is the ability to hide the infrared sensors of the Face ID system under the screen, an advance that should debut in the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models, scheduled for 2026.
This technological evolution, known as LTPO+, will allow the Apple to eliminate visible cutouts on the front of the devices, offering a more immersive and continuous viewing experience. The change represents a significant step towards a truly complete display design with no visual interruptions to house biometrics components.
The strategic partnership between Apple and Samsung Display to supply high-performance screens is further consolidated with this project. The focus now is on integrating complex functionalities directly into the display, without compromising the image quality, durability or energy efficiency of the device, while maintaining the variable refresh rate from 1 Hz to 120 Hz.
What is LTPO+ technology
LTPO+ panels represent a direct and improved evolution of LTPO technology (Oxide Policristalino of Baixa Temperatura), already used in cutting-edge devices. Essa new version combines low-temperature oxides with thin-film transistors (TFT) more efficiently, allowing even more precise control over the screen’s refresh rate. The main benefit is a substantial reduction in power consumption, especially in usage scenarios where the screen displays static content, such as when reading text or in always-on display mode. The technology allows the screen to operate at extremely low frequencies, such as 1 Hz, without sacrificing the ability to reach 120 Hz for dynamic content such as games and videos. The central improvement of LTPO+ is the integration of UDIR (Under-Display Infrared) technology, which makes it possible to position the Face ID’s infrared sensors directly under the pixel layer of the OLED display, making them invisible to the human eye, but perfectly functional.
Energy efficiency advantages
Preliminary industrial testing indicates that LTPO+ panels can reduce energy consumption by up to 15% compared to standard LTPO generation. Essa savings are particularly noticeable when the screen operates at lower refresh rates.
For the end user, this improvement translates into additional hours of battery life in everyday use scenarios. The optimization is especially effective in the “always-on display” mode, which can display information with even less energy consumption.
Another direct benefit of greater efficiency is the reduction in heating of the device during intense and prolonged use. Menos wasted energy means less heat generated, which contributes to user comfort and the longevity of internal components.
Energy optimization is intelligently managed by the device’s software, which automatically adjusts the screen refresh rate according to the content displayed, ensuring maximum performance is only delivered when needed.
The supplier race
Samsung Display takes the lead as the main supplier of LTPO+ panels for Apple in this initial phase. The South Korean company has the experience and production capacity necessary to meet the rigorous quality standards required for this complex technology.
At the same time, LG Display is also involved in the development and production of this technology, competing to secure a significant share of Apple’s orders. The presence of two robust suppliers is fundamental to Apple’s strategy of diversifying its supply chain and avoiding dependence on a single source.
Meanwhile, Chinese manufacturer BOE is facing technical difficulties in producing LTPO+ panels on a large scale with the quality and performance required by Apple. Essas limitations should leave the company out of the initial supply cycle for the Pro models, highlighting the complexity of the manufacturing process.
Impact on iPhone design
The main consequence of the Face ID technology under the screen is the possibility of a cleaner and more minimalist front design. By hiding the sensors, the Apple can finally abandon more prominent cutouts, getting closer to the ideal of a smartphone that is “just screen”.
Despite the concealment of the infrared sensors, it is expected that the Ilha Dinâmica (Dynamic Island) will be maintained, but in an even smaller format, housing only the circular cutout for the front camera. Isso would retain the interactive software functionality that has become a hallmark of the Pro models.
Front camera and sensors
Recent information from industry sources has clarified that despite the change in biometric sensors, the positioning of the front camera will remain unchanged. The component will remain centered at the top of the screen to maintain the symmetry of the design and the user experience for video calls and selfies.
Apple prioritizes visual consistency across its product line, and any drastic changes to the front layout undergo extensive validation. The current focus is on hiding biometric components, without changing the arrangement of the main camera elements.
Preparations for mass production
The production lines at Coreia of Sul, of both Samsung Display and LG Display, are receiving significant investments to adapt to the manufacturing of complex LTPO+ panels. The Samsung has already begun the validation phases with pilot batches to adjust processes and ensure production stability, which requires high precision to integrate additional layers without compromising durability or image quality.
Quality tests are extremely rigorous and include checking resistance to impacts, thermal variations and durability in real conditions of daily use. Cada panel goes through multiple verification cycles before receiving final approval from Apple, a process that ensures component reliability throughout the life of the device.
Implications for a future foldable iPhone
LTPO+ technology is also seen as a crucial component in the development of an eventual foldable iPhone. Greater energy efficiency is key for devices with flexible form factors, which often have battery space constraints, while improved panel structure can help minimize crease visibility in the fold area.
Strategy for Apple’s premium line
The introduction of the Face ID under the screen will initially be exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models. Essa strategy reinforces the differentiation between the standard line and the premium line, justifying the higher price positioning and encouraging consumers looking for the latest innovations to opt for more advanced models.
