iPhone 18 will likely come without Face ID under the display

Apple remains true to its annual schedule, and although the iPhone 18 series is still a year away, rumors are already intensifying. Expectations are high, as always – and with each new generation, the question arises as to what technical innovations are actually coming. A source from China is currently causing quite a stir. The well-known Weibo account Instant Digital has published details about the display, Face ID, and camera of the upcoming iPhone models. Some of it sounds familiar, others offer new perspectives.

The new iPhone generation isn't due until 2026, but reports about the iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max are already raising questions. According to recent reports, Apple could delay some long-awaited features again—such as under-display Face ID. However, something is expected to change with the Dynamic Island.

More compact Dynamic Island planned

According to Instant Digital , all three models in the iPhone 18 series—the standard model, the iPhone 18 Pro, and the Pro Max—will feature a slightly smaller Dynamic Island. Apple had already replaced the notch on the iPhone 14 Pro with this new shape, which has since characterized the front design. There was speculation about a smaller size for the iPhone 17 Pro models, which ultimately proved unfounded. Now the topic is returning, this time with a higher probability. A more compact Dynamic Island would provide more visible display area and give the front a more modern look.

Face ID under the display will probably come later

The idea of fully integrating Face ID under the display has been circulating for several iPhone generations. Initially, the feature was discussed for the iPhone 16 Pro, later for the iPhone 17 Pro. Now it seems to be confirmed that the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Pro won't be equipped with it either. If Instant Digital's predictions are correct, under-display Face ID won't be introduced until the iPhone 19 Pro or even later. This continues a pattern: Apple tests new technologies for years before introducing them into production devices.

Front camera remains visible

The under-display camera is also not an issue for the iPhone 18. According to recent leaks, the front camera will remain visible – integrated into the dynamic island. This means no full glass front, no hidden camera. In return, image quality will remain at the same level as before, as under-display cameras from other manufacturers have often proven to be a compromise. Apple seems to be deliberately avoiding this approach – at least not yet.

Source with mixed results

The leak originates from the Chinese Weibo account Instant Digital, which has around 1.5 million followers. In the past, its predictions have been correct on several occasions—for example, regarding the introduction of the vapor chamber cooling system in the iPhone 17 Pro, the yellow color variant of the iPhone 14, and the titanium Milanese loop for the Apple Watch Ultra 2. At the same time, there have also been miscalculations, especially regarding earlier rumors about the iPhone 17. The accuracy rate is solid, but not complete. Therefore, the current information remains interesting, but not guaranteed.

iPhone 18: A look into the near future

There's still almost a year to go until the official launch of the iPhone 18 series. During this time, more details and leaks are likely to emerge—some more credible than others. The only thing that's certain so far is that major design revolutions like a completely edgeless display or invisible sensors are still a long way off. Instead, Apple seems to be sticking to its familiar path—smaller, controlled developments, stable features, and targeted design refinements. (Image: Shutterstock / umitc)