After reports stating Apple's plan to change iPhone release cycles starting with the iPhone 18, a new rumor has surfaced regarding the iPhone 17's successor.
A new rumor from a Chinese tipster said that the Cupertino-based tech giant has been testing under-display Face ID sensors for future flagship smartphones iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
The advanced biometric upgrade, a rumored game-changer in the iPhone lineup for 2026, will allow Apple to edge toward a fully notch-less display.
Whereas the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Air will likely continue with the classic notch, the Pro models could have a lone hole-punch for the front camera. This possible design change would be one of the biggest transformations for the iPhone in years.
Under-Display Face ID Could Be the Game-Changer for iPhones
If Apple succeeds, according to GSM Arena, its use of under-display Face ID would provide the clean, seamless screen experience many iPhone fans have been waiting for. Unlike some Android rivals that have supported under-display camera technology by sacrificing facial recognition accuracy, Apple appears to be committed to maintaining its industry-leading 3D face-scanning security.
This would mean users may no longer need to make a trade-off between security and aesthetics. Having biometric authentication under the screen would enable Apple to maintain the strong security Face ID provides while doing away with the polarizing notch.
Early Testing Doesn't Guarantee Launch
It's necessary to temper expectations. Although the rumor from Digital Chat Station verifies that Apple is experimenting with under-display Face ID, it doesn't necessarily mean this feature will see production.
The iPad Maker has a history of cutting or postponing features that don't live up to its high-performance and quality expectations.
It should be noted, however, that the fact Apple is exploring such sophisticated technology is a positive sign. It indicates Apple is committed to leading the design curve without compromising on user security or privacy.
Folding iPhone Also in the Works
Another interesting development is that Apple's initial foldable iPhone 18 is also reportedly being tested with under-display Face ID.
While this phone remains a mystery, this suggests a cohesive design vision going forward—phones that provide full-screen immersion without sacrificing the biometric utilities Apple enthusiasts use.
Classic Notch to Stay for Some Models
While the premium iPhone 18 Pro models are targeting a futuristic design, the regular iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Air will apparently carry on with the notch. This change may be deliberate, enabling Apple to further set its Pro series apart while keeping production expenses under control for entry-level models.
In other news, Tech Times reported that a new iPhone 17 Pro leak hinted at the return of glass and aluminum build. This would mean dropping the current titanium frames present in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
As always, Apple hasn't officially confirmed any of these developments, but leaks like this hint that the tech giant is preparing for its most ambitious iPhone design yet.
With the iPhone 18 Pro potentially launching in September 2026, expect more rumors and confirmations to surface in the months ahead.
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