iPhone 18 Pro Rumored to Feature Under-Display Face ID and Sleeker Design

Apple may finally be making a major leap toward a true all-screen iPhone. According to a new rumor from leaker Digital Chat Station, Apple is testing under-display Face ID for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models—expected to launch in fall 2026. If accurate, this would be one of the biggest design shifts in years, eliminating the Dynamic Island in favor of a single punch-hole for the front camera.

What’s Being Tested

In a post shared on Weibo, Digital Chat Station reports Apple is developing two new LTPO displays for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup:

• 6.27-inch LTPO OLED (roughly replacing the current 6.1-inch Pro)

• 6.86-inch LTPO OLED (likely the successor to the 6.7-inch Pro Max)

Both displays feature a resolution around 1.5K, which prioritizes efficiency and clarity without going overboard on pixel density. But the real news is the design: a "HIAA single punch-hole" screen, meaning just one small cutout for the selfie camera, while Face ID sensors are moved under the screen.

What Is HIAA Technology?

HIAA (Hole-In-Active-Area) is Samsung Display's method of drilling precise punch holes without compromising surrounding pixels or display durability. It’s currently used in some Galaxy devices, and Apple appears to be preparing to adopt it for the iPhone 18 Pro display panels.

Under-Display Face ID: Finally Ready?

This rumor aligns with earlier reports from The Information and other supply chain leaks suggesting that under-display Face ID is a top priority for Apple. Moving Face ID beneath the screen while keeping the camera as a visible punch-hole allows Apple to minimize visual interruptions while keeping core functionality intact.

“The technology is getting aggressive—not simple at all,” Digital Chat Station added, underscoring the complexity of this design transition.

Toward the All-Screen iPhone Dream

Apple’s long-term goal is clear: a completely bezel-less, all-screen iPhone, with both the camera and sensors hidden under the display. Reports suggest this could arrive by 2027, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone.

So far, these design upgrades appear to be exclusive to the Pro models, continuing Apple’s trend of reserving cutting-edge tech for the high-end tier before trickling down to the standard iPhones in later years.

iPhone 18 Pro & Foldable Launch Expected Together

According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo’s iPhone roadmap, the iPhone 18 Pro and Apple’s first foldable iPhone are both expected in late 2026, setting the stage for what could be Apple’s most dramatic product refresh in over a decade.

What to Expect in Fall 2026

If these rumors hold, the iPhone 18 Pro will feature:

• A single punch-hole display (goodbye, Dynamic Island)

• Under-display Face ID for a more seamless look

• Slightly larger LTPO OLED displays with ~1.5K resolution

• Design moves aligned with Apple's 2027 bezel-free goal

Bottom Line: Apple appears to be entering the final stretch in its quest for a full-screen iPhone. With under-display Face ID and a refined punch-hole camera, the iPhone 18 Pro could be the cleanest-looking iPhone yet—setting the tone for the all-screen future we’ve been waiting for.