Apple is officially preparing a massive design overhaul for iPhone 18 Pro. According to supply chain reports and top industry tipsters, the 2026 flagship will include facial recognition sensors beneath the display.
This move potentially shrinks or entirely removes the ‘pill-shaped’ Dynamic Island. The goal is to deliver a nearly seamless, edge-to-edge viewing experience while maintaining the high security standards Apple users expect from the TrueDepth camera system.
The shift to under-screen Face ID marks a major change for the iPhone. It is the most prominent design update since the notch arrived in 2017. Current reports suggest the Face ID sensors will vanish behind the pixels. However, a small space for the selfie camera may remain. This ‘hole-punch’ design would give users more usable screen space.
The technology uses special layers that let light pass through the screen. This allows the sensors to ‘see’ your face through the glass. Even with these internal changes, the physical size of the phones will stay the same. iPhone 18 Pro will have a 6.3-inch screen, whereas the Pro Max model will retain its 6.9-inch display. This change creates a cleaner, more modern look for the device.
While a screen without a notch looks aesthetically pleasing, it may be harder to fix. This is a huge concern for an average owner. Currently, fixing a broken screen is simple but expensive. With sensors under the glass, the screen will become a part of the security system, making the display a more complex component to build and replace.
Local repair shops might find it difficult to fix the new screens. If the glass is not perfectly clear, Face ID might stop working, which could lead to major issues for customers. The price for a new screen will likely go up, and you might only be able to get repairs at an official Apple Store. Finally, buying AppleCare+ will become more important as users will want to protect their investment from high out-of-pocket costs.
The iPhone 18 Pro is a bridge to the future of smartphones. It solves the problem of visual clutter on the display. The industry is watching Apple to see if it can keep the sensors secure through the glass. This marks a bold step toward an ‘all-screen’ experience for users.