This is the time of year when many design details are being finalized for next fall’s flagship iPhones. Now, a new leak on Weibo corroborates what we’ve heard before: under-display Face ID is planned for the iPhone 18 line.
Apple using ‘micro-transparent glass panels’ to enable under-display Face ID in iPhone 18 line
Leaker Smart Pikachu, in a post over the weekend on Weibo, has confirmed a rumor that’s been strongly hinted at before.
Per the post, the iPhone 18 line will utilize under-display Face ID technology. Apple is reportedly achieving this through the use of “micro-transparent glass panels.”
The post doesn’t specify which models will get under-display Face ID. Instead, it only references the “iPhone 18 series.”
Previous reports have indicated the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, alongside the foldable model, would all receive the new Face ID technology. It’s unclear whether the base iPhone 18 or iPhone Air 2 would also receive this upgrade.
Moving Face ID materials under the display means Apple should be able to shrink the Dynamic Island significantly—something that’s been hinted already.
9to5Mac’s Take
Rumors widely report that next year’s flagship iPhones line will consist of just three models initially. Apple will launch the high-end iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and foldable only. The base iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 are expected to follow several months later in early 2027.
One interesting result of this schedule shift is that it buys Apple more time to decide which new materials are going in those early 2027 models.
Additionally, if supply constraints are expected for the new materials that enable under-display Face ID, perhaps the months-long gap between models mean there’s a better chance of the new tech spreading to the full line.
How much does a smaller Dynamic Island in the iPhone 18 matter to you? Let us know in the comments.
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