iPhone 18 Pro Models Again Rumored to Feature Under-Screen Face ID

While the iPhone 17 Pro models are still around four months away, there are already rumors about next year's iPhone 18 Pro models.

iPhone Top Left Hole Punch Face ID Feature Purple
The latest word comes from Counterpoint Research vice president Ross Young, who has a good track record with display-related information for future Apple products. In a social media post today, he relayed more information that suggests the iPhone 18 Pro models will be equipped with an under-screen Face ID system.

"At the SID Business Conference today, OTI Lumionics CEO Michael Helander confirmed that they expect phones with under panel Face ID using their materials to be available for sale in 2026," wrote Young. "This suggests that iPhone 18 Pro models will have under panel Face ID with other brands and models to follow."

Earlier this month, The Information's Wayne Ma also reported that iPhone 18 Pro models will feature under-screen Face ID. He said the devices will have only a small hole in the top-left corner of the screen, to accommodate the front camera. The devices will no longer have a pill-shaped cutout at the top of the screen, according to the report, but is unclear if that means the Dynamic Island feature will be discontinued.

Apple should release the iPhone 18 Pro models in September 2026.

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Top Rated Comments

Andy_2341 Avatar
5 hours ago at 07:32 pm

He said the devices will have only a small hole in the top-left corner of the screen ('https://www.macrumors.com/2025/05/03/iphone-18-pro-under-screen-face-id-rumor/'), to accommodate the front camera. The devices will no longer have a pill-shaped cutout at the top of the screen, according to the report, but is unclear if that means the Dynamic Island feature will be discontinued.
Honestly, I’d rather have Dynamic Island or even a notch than an off-center, lone cutout.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
techfreak23 Avatar
5 hours ago at 07:56 pm
That off center hole punch seems really sketchy. Sounds like a terrible idea just to be different. I doubt Apple would do something like that since they’re generally all about symmetry with most things. They have broken that rule a few times though…

Personally, I don’t mind the notch, especially the second iteration of it. I get why some people do, but I don’t understand why they are so angry about it. An off center hole punch would be more of an eyesore to me than the notch is.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Marty80 Avatar
5 hours ago at 08:02 pm
I cannot see apple changing to a punch hole design and than going all screen within a year.

The notch lasted around 4 years, being than replaced by its successor the dynamic island, if the rumours hold up the dynamic island will have lasted 3 years.

The anniversary model will be released in 2027 i cannot see apple ditching a hole punch design within a year, it just does not line up.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
quietstormSD Avatar
4 hours ago at 08:39 pm
I'm still waiting for the under screen Touch ID that was supposed to come out with the iPhone X.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TechWhisperer Avatar
2 hours ago at 10:18 pm
I for one really like the Dynamic Island and dislike the idea of an off center hole punch. Having symmetry is quite nice.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zachz Avatar
2 hours ago at 10:19 pm
FaceID under the screen would be cool as long as it’s just as effective as it is now. But, a hole punch camera in the top left sounds terrible in my opinion. Dynamic Island is too great of a feature.

I’ve used both iterations of the notch, currently have Dynamic Island, plus a hole punch (Galaxy S24) and an under the screen camera (Fold 3) and I still prefer Dynamic Island. I absolutely love the software features of it and I probably use it the most out of every other feature that isn’t calling or texting.

If they’re going under the screen for FaceID I’d rather they figure something else out or at least keep it centred and have Dynamic Island stay software wise. Surely FaceID can be off centre since it works sideways, upside down, angled, etc.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)