The Dynamic Island could lose one of its cutouts with iPhone 18 Pro
Display industry vet Ross Young shared information suggesting iPhone 18 Pro models are indeed going to get under-display Face ID, but selfie cameras will still be visible for now.
Under-display Face ID is one of those rumors that started the minute the technology arrived and has been repeated frequently, even recently. The dreaded notch followed by the compromise that was the Dynamic Island both exist as a result of Face ID needing screen space.
According to former Display Supply Chain CEO, current VP of Counterpoint Research, Ross Young, Apple is set to put Face ID components under the display with iPhone 18 Pro in 2026. The information was shared via a social media post about a business conference.
At the SID Business Conference today, OTI Lumionics CEO Michael Helander confirmed that they expect phones with under panel Face ID using their materials to be available for sale in 2026. This suggests that iPhone 18 Pro models will have under panel Face ID with other brands and
— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) May 14, 2025
Young was also asked about placing the selfie camera under the display, which would remove all cutouts from the iPhone. The technology isn’t there yet, as Young suggests under-panel cameras need more development.
The current Dynamic Island cutouts are two separate sections. One is the circular cutout for the selfie camera, while the other, larger and elongated cutout is for the Face ID components.
Hiding the sensors under the display would allow Apple to move to a single pinhole cutout for the selfie camera. The company could opt to center the camera but keep the Dynamic Island software to enable the whimsical interactions.
Shaving those few millimeters of dead pixel space off will once again change the face of the iPhone. The Dynamic Island first appeared with the iPhone 14 Pro after five years of the notch, so it would make sense for Apple to move on four years later with the iPhone 18 Pro.
Of course, Apple will need to ensure Face ID remains as secure and functional as it is when it is exposed on the display. The company likely won’t implement the under-display system if it sacrifices security or convenience.
