The iPhone 18 series may finally deliver a feature Apple fans have been waiting for: in-screen Face ID. A new leak claims Apple is now testing an advanced display system that could dramatically shrink the Dynamic Island and transform the look of future iPhones. If the reports are accurate, the iPhone 18 Series lineup -expected in September 2026 – might introduce the biggest design shift in years.
Apple is Reportedly Testing a New In-Display Face ID System
After years of speculation, it appears Apple is closer than ever to achieving a fully under-display Face ID solution for the upcoming iPhone 18 series. A well-known Chinese tipster on Weibo, “Smart Pikachu,” has claimed that Apple is currently experimenting with a unique display technology that allows the TrueDepth infrared sensors to operate through the screen without any distortion.
According to the leak, the company is testing something known as “spliced micro-transparent glass”, a system designed to let Face ID components sit under the display while still functioning with full accuracy. This would allow Apple to eliminate – or at least significantly shrink – the current Dynamic Island setup.
Even more interesting, the report states that Apple has already instructed suppliers to expedite the supply chain, suggesting that the development of this breakthrough display technology is well underway.
Which iPhone 18 Models Will Get the New Face ID?
One key detail missing from the leak is which iPhone 18 models will feature this technology. The tipster mentions the iPhone 18 series, but doesn’t confirm if the upgrade will be exclusive to the Pro variants, the entire lineup, or perhaps only the highest-end models.
If Apple succeeds with this implementation, the Dynamic Island could become dramatically smaller, possibly leaving only a tiny punch-hole cutout for the front camera – similar to what many Android manufacturers have already adopted.
Conflicting Reports Suggest a Mix of Upgrades
Earlier this year, The Information reported that Apple might completely remove the Dynamic Island from the iPhone 18 Pro models, replacing it with a small pinhole cut-out positioned in the upper-left corner of the display. This would represent one of the biggest visual changes in the iPhone’s recent design history.
But at the same time, other leaks paint a different picture. Some suggest that while the Dynamic Island will shrink in size, it may not disappear entirely.
Display analyst Ross Young has shared that the iPhone 18 Pro lineup might include under-display Face ID, but still keep a version of the Dynamic Island for the front camera. Meanwhile, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman believes Apple will opt for a slimmer Dynamic Island, not a fully invisible Face ID system – at least not in 2026.
In short, there’s a lot of noise, and Apple’s final decision might depend on how successful its under-display technology becomes during testing.
Possible launch timeline for the iPhone 18 series
Apple generally announces its flagship phones every September, and the iPhone 18 series is expected to follow the same pattern in September 2026. However, the leak hints at an interesting twist: some models might be pushed back to 2027.
If true, the delayed models could launch alongside the next generation of the iPhone Air, giving Apple more time to perfect its under-display innovations and deliver a more polished experience.
Apple May Announce a Foldable iPhone
Another exciting part of the report claims that the iPhone 18 Pro lineup might debut alongside Apple’s first-ever foldable iPhone. Although details are still limited, this suggests 2026 could be one of the most significant years for iPhone hardware in over a decade.
So far, leaks suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro models may be powered by the A20 chip, which is built on an advanced 2nm process. This upgrade could offer major improvements in speed, efficiency, and battery life, making it one of Apple’s most powerful chips yet.
These models may also ship with Apple’s in-house C2 modem, meaning Qualcomm could lose its role even in the premium iPhone lineup.
Apple Plans to Launch the iPhone 17e in Early 2026
Before the splashy iPhone 18 launch, Apple is expected to announce its next entry-level model, the iPhone 17e, sometime in early 2026. This device could become the most affordable iPhone to support Apple Intelligence, the company’s new AI-powered ecosystem.
With Apple expanding its AI integration across more devices, even lower-cost models may soon benefit from more advanced on-device processing and smarter system-level features.
iPhone 18 series: A New Era of Design
The iPhone 18 series is shaping up to be a turning point for Apple’s smartphone design. Whether we get a fully in-screen Face ID system or a much smaller Dynamic Island, it’s clear that Apple is preparing to modernize the iPhone’s front display in a meaningful way.
From under-display sensors to next-gen processors, foldable phones, and new modem technology, the 2026 lineup could be Apple’s boldest move in years. While we’ll need to wait for more leaks – or official confirmation – the rumors suggest that the iPhone 18 series might redefine what future iPhones look like.
If Apple delivers on these advancements, the iPhone 18 generation could mark the beginning of a sleek, cleaner, and more futuristic design era for the world’s most iconic smartphone.
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