Apple is preparing a major redesign for the iPhone’s display in 2026. A trusted tipster on Weibo, Digital Chat Station, suggests that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will feature a cleaner screen by hiding the Face ID system under the display. They also plan to place the camera behind the screen.
The leak states that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will have 6.27-inch and 6.86-inch OLED screens. Both displays will include LTPO refresh rate technology and offer a resolution of 1.5K.
The biggest change is Apple’s adoption of HIAA (Hole-in-Active-Area) technology. This removes part of the pixel layer to let sensors underneath see through the screen.
It’s difficult to perfect
This technology isn’t new in the phone world. Companies like Samsung and ZTE have already tested under-display cameras. But Apple faces a bigger challenge beyond hiding a selfie camera.
Its Face ID system uses infrared components like a dot projector, flood illuminator, and IR camera. Most under-display tech is made for visible light, so using it with infrared sensors isn’t simple.
The report claims Apple has already built and tested working prototypes. It appears the company may have overcome some hardware hurdles.
Apple’s plan to remove the Dynamic Island has been talked about since at least the iPhone 15. Similar rumors have appeared for the iPhone 16 and 17.
While the iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to keep a smaller Dynamic Island, a full-screen display without any cutouts may not arrive until the iPhone 18. That depends on progress in development and manufacturing.
Early leaks can change, so timelines are not set in stone. But if under-display Face ID and cameras make it to next year’s Pro models, it will be Apple’s biggest screen change since the Dynamic Island debut on the iPhone 14 Pro.
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