Hold onto your hats, iPhone fans—a major design shift might be coming your way next year. Rumors are swirling that Apple is planning to tuck Face ID under the display for the iPhone 18 lineup, and a new leak on Weibo seems to confirm it. But here's where it gets controversial: will this change be a game-changer or just a flashy upgrade? Let’s dive in.
As we approach the time of year when Apple finalizes designs for its next-generation iPhones, a post by leaker Smart Pikachu on Weibo (https://weibo.com/5888095979/QhaTOnSUl) has reignited the buzz. According to the leak, the iPhone 18 series will feature under-display Face ID technology, made possible by Apple’s use of ‘micro-transparent glass panels.’ This aligns with earlier hints (https://9to5mac.com/2025/05/14/iphone-18-pro-with-in-display-face-id-now-looks-very-likely/) that such a change was in the works.
But this is the part most people miss: the leak doesn’t specify which models will get this upgrade. While previous reports suggested the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and foldable models would lead the charge, it’s unclear if the base iPhone 18 or iPhone Air 2 will join the party. Could this be a strategic move by Apple to test the waters before rolling it out across the entire lineup? Or is it a supply chain decision? Let us know what you think in the comments.
One of the most exciting implications of this shift is the potential for a significantly smaller Dynamic Island. By moving Face ID components under the display, Apple could streamline the design, giving users more screen real estate. And this is where it gets even more intriguing: rumors suggest that next year’s flagship lineup will initially include only three models—the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and foldable—with the base iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 arriving months later in early 2027. This staggered release could give Apple extra time to fine-tune materials and production, especially if there are supply constraints for the new under-display tech.
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So, here’s the big question: How important is a smaller Dynamic Island to you? Would it make the iPhone 18 a must-buy, or is it just a nice-to-have feature? And do you think Apple should roll out under-display Face ID across all models right away, or is a phased approach smarter? Let’s spark some debate in the comments!
