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Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro May Finally Hide Face ID Under the Screen
Apple's rumored iPhone 18 Pro promises to revolutionize the smartphone design landscape with under-display Face ID, potentially eliminating the need for the Dynamic Island and notch. But will this feature be a game-changer or a gimmick? As Apple joins the ranks of Samsung and Xiaomi in exploring under-display tech, the question remains: can this innovation deliver on both form and function?
With patents hinting at new optical sensors beneath the OLED display, the stakes are high for a seamless user experience. Yet, the real challenge lies in balancing cutting-edge tech with user trust – will Apple's bold move pay off, or will it compromise security and user confidence?
The History of Face ID: From Notch to Invisibility
Face ID has been one of Apple's defining security features since it came out in 2017. But the notch and eventually the Dynamic Islan were necessary evils to support the TrueDepth camera system. That could shift with the impending iPhone 18 Pro, which is rumored to feature Face ID sensors baked into the display.
As per latest reports, Apple has been testing out under-display infrared sensors that are as capable of security as the existing Face ID system. The first versions reportedly have a 99.8% match rate compared to the existing Face ID system. However, some issues remain, especially in the under-display sensors when the light is dim.
Under-Display Face ID: A Real Innovation
Although Apple has never been a leader in under-display technology, the issue now lies in whether Apple can perfect under-display cameras, like those in phones such as the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Xiaomi Mix 5. While competition sacrifices camera abilities, they do so at the cost of a concealed lens. Apple will have to incorporate Face ID reliability into the equation. A Display Supply Chain Consultants (2025) report shows that Apple’s design employs micro-lens arrays to reflect light onto hidden sensors, thus eradicating any potential compromise in biometric accuracy. If true, this would create a new benchmark for mobile smartphone design.
Present Disadvantages and User Considerations
Notwithstanding the topic's excitement, certain skeptics question the necessity of implementing under-display Face ID technology. Some argue that the Dynamic Island feature is functional and offers interactivity; thus, its removal may have little impact on user experience.
The second issue is durability. Will touch sensitivity affect the screen's brightness? According to reports, other early under-display camera smartphones have exhibited lower clarity in the display where the sensor is located. Apple needs to ensure that this effect does not occur.
Do Consumers Even Care
The average consumer likely won't find much value in a Dynamic Island versus a facial recognition that works in the background. However, early adopters and tech enthusiasts who would pay more for a completely all-screen iPhone may feel it is justifiable.
Writers at Counterpoint Research (2025) contend that if Apple is successful in this endeavor, it would be able to force competitors to expedite their under-display rollouts, creating a whole new paradigm for mobile design
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Final Verdict: Will Under-Display Face ID Redefine Smartphones as Falling Short
The iPhone 18 Pro's under-display Face ID technology represents a significant advancement in smartphone design, depending on how effectively Apple executes it. The concept of an all-screen iPhone is intriguing, but we can only determine whether this technology is revolutionary or just an improved gimmick through practical experience. We will measure the success of this technology based on factors such as security, display quality, and user experience.
This innovation has the potential to define the next generation of smartphones, much like the original iPhone did. While some may view it as merely an incremental upgrade, it's clear that Apple plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the global smartphone industry.