Apple’s quest for the perfect slab of glass is reportedly taking a massive leap forward in the supply chain. A new leak indicates the iPhone 18 could finally feature the invisible Face ID tech we’ve been waiting for.
The Dynamic Island could be facing extinction
We all knew the Dynamic Island was likely a stepping stone rather than a permanent destination, but its departure might be happening sooner than expected. According to a new report surfacing from the supply chain, Apple is actively testing "under-display 3D technology" for the iPhone 18.
The leak specifically mentions the use of "micro-transparent glass," which is the critical engineering breakthrough needed here. This isn't just about aesthetics; it's about physics. To make Face ID work through a solid screen, the infrared sensors need a clear path to scan your face without the display pixels scattering the light.
If these reports are accurate, the necessary components are moving through the testing phase right now, suggesting Apple is serious about burying those sensors for good in the 2026 lineup.
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Why hiding Face ID is a tougher nut to crack
Apple is reportedly accelerating the process that would make under-display Face ID a reality. | Image credit — Smart Pikachu (Weibo)
You might be thinking, "Haven't Android phones had this for years?" Yes and no. Devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series and various gaming phones have utilized Under-Display Cameras (UDC) for selfies. However, the results have often been a mixed bag—usually resulting in hazy photos or a visible "screen door" effect over the lens.
What Apple is attempting is significantly more difficult. They aren't just hiding a standard 2D selfie camera; they are attempting to obscure a complex array of 3D biometric sensors. If that "micro-transparent glass" distorts the infrared dot projector even slightly, Face ID becomes unreliable/insecure.
Although the rumors about this taking place in either 2026 or 2027 are not new, what is significant about this new report is that it suggests the supply chain is "accelerating" this specific tech, meaning Apple might have finally solved the reliability issues that have kept the notch and the Island around for so long.
By when do you think Apple will successfully bury Face ID under the display?
Apple is on track to get this done in 2026.
12.5%
Looks more like 2027. It’s too soon for a 2026 reveal.
87.5%
A pristine screen comes with a catch
I have to admit, I’m conflicted about this. On a technical level, achieving a truly all-screen device without cutouts is the holy grail of smartphone design. It’s what we have envisioned since the original iPhone. However, although many may disagree, in my opinion the Dynamic Island has arguably become one of Apple’s best UI features. It turned a hardware limitation into a genuinely useful multitasking tool for timers, sports scores, and media controls.
If the iPhone 18 creates a seamless look, we undoubtedly lose that clever software integration—or at least, it will have to morph into something else. That said, if Apple can pull this off without the visual compromises we see on the Galaxy Z Fold's inner screen camera, it will force the entire industry to play catch-up again. Just don't expect this on the base models; this feels like a "Pro" or "Ultra" flex through and through.
Johanna 'Jojo the Techie' is a skilled mobile technology expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience, specializing in the Google ecosystem and Pixel devices. Known for her user-friendly approach, she leverages her vast tech support background to provide accessible and insightful coverage on latest technology trends. As a recognized thought leader and former member of #TeamPixel, Johanna ensures she stays at the forefront of Google services and products, making her a reliable source for all things Pixel and ChromeOS.
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