IPhone Under-Display Face ID: Release Date
- Apple is consistently working to further develop the iPhone.
- With the introduction of Face ID in the iPhone X in 2017, Apple established facial recognition as a secure alternative to fingerprint scanning.
- Ross Young, a renowned analyst for display technologies, originally predicted that Apple could launch the first iPhones with under-screen Face ID in 2025 with the iPhone 17 Pro...
iPhone’s Under-Display Face ID: What’s the Hold Up?
Table of Contents
- iPhone’s Under-Display Face ID: What’s the Hold Up?
- iPhone’s Under-Display face ID: Your Questions Answered
Apple is consistently working to further develop the iPhone. The design, in particular, is intended to be sleeker and more modern, with the goal of invisibly placing the front camera and Face ID under the display. Rumors about this have been circulating for years, but there is no concrete date for this innovation yet. Recent reports from analysts and journalists like Ross Young and mark Gurman suggest that the new technology may not arrive until 2026 or even 2027. But what does that mean for upcoming iPhone models, and how realistic is a true all-screen iPhone?
With the introduction of Face ID in the iPhone X in 2017, Apple established facial recognition as a secure alternative to fingerprint scanning. Since then, the technology has evolved, but the notch – the cutout for sensors and the camera – remained a fixed element of the design for a long time. With the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro, the notch became smaller and more interactive, but the ultimate goal remains a entirely bezel-less display.
When is face ID Coming Under the Display?
Ross Young, a renowned analyst for display technologies, originally predicted that Apple could launch the first iPhones with under-screen Face ID in 2025 with the iPhone 17 Pro models.However, in May 2024, he revised this estimate and postponed the introduction to 2026 or later. Mark Gurman also assumes that Apple will not be ready to move Face ID under the display until 2026 or 2027 at the earliest.Until then, the Dynamic Island is expected to be further reduced, so that the Pro models gradually have fewer visible sensors on the front.
How Will the Design Change?
Face ID under the display does not necessarily mean a completely seamless iPhone. Even if Apple moves facial recognition under the display, the front camera will remain visible for the time being. A similar approach can already be seen on Android devices such as the Google Pixel 9 or the Samsung Galaxy S25, which only have a small camera pill in the display instead of a notch.In the long term, however, the iPhone should get a real all-screen design. Ross Young is convinced that Apple is working on making both Face ID and the front camera invisibly under the display. This idea had already been described by Jony Ive, Apple’s former head of design, as his ideal image of an iPhone.
Technical Challenges
The biggest hurdle for Face ID and the camera under the display is quality.Sensors must function perfectly through the display without impairing facial recognition. In addition, the camera quality must not suffer, as previous under-display cameras often have problems with brightness, sharpness and color reproduction. Apple will only use the technology when it works without compromise. This means that the introduction may be delayed for a few more years, even if Android manufacturers are already offering similar solutions – Apple’s quality standards are simply higher.
Why is Apple Taking Its Time with Under-Display Face ID?
An iPhone with Face ID under the display is in the works, but not yet within reach. This technology could be introduced with the iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 19 Pro at the earliest – realistically, perhaps not until 2026 or 2027. until then, Apple will probably continue to work on reducing the Dynamic Island. So, anyone waiting for an iPhone without visible sensors needs to be patient. But the direction is clear: in the long term, Apple wants to develop an iPhone in which the entire front design consists only of the display.
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iPhone’s Under-Display face ID: Your Questions Answered
apple’s pursuit of a truly all-screen iPhone has fueled rumors and anticipation surrounding under-display Face ID technology.While the goal is clear – a sleek, modern design with an invisible front camera and Face ID – the path to achieving it is filled with technical hurdles. this Q&A-style article addresses your burning questions about the future of Face ID on iPhones.
when will iPhones get under-display Face ID?
The timeline for under-display Face ID on iPhones remains uncertain.
Expert Predictions: Display analyst Ross Young initially predicted a 2025 launch for the iPhone 17 Pro models. However, he later revised his estimate to 2026 or later. Mark Gurman echoes this sentiment, suggesting 2026 or 2027 as the earliest possible timeframe.
current Expectations: Based on current reports, don’t expect to see under-display Face ID on iPhones before 2026/2027. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 are likely to retain the Dynamic Island.
Which iPhone will be the first to have under-display Face ID?
Based on current estimates, the iPhone 18 Pro or perhaps even a later model is likely to be the first to feature this technology.
What will happen to the Dynamic Island meanwhile?
Until under-display Face ID becomes a reality, Apple is expected to continue refining and reducing the size of the Dynamic Island on Pro models.
How will under-display Face ID change the iPhone design?
The move to under-display Face ID represents a significant step towards a fully bezel-less iPhone.
Initial Changes: The first iteration of under-display Face ID might not be entirely seamless. The front camera is expected to remain visible.
Long-Term Vision: Apple’s ultimate goal is to integrate both Face ID and the front camera invisibly beneath the display, achieving a true all-screen design. This concept aligns with the vision once described by Jony Ive, Apple’s former head of design.
Android Precedent: The article mentions a camera pill design for the Google Pixel 9 or the Samsung Galaxy S25. This informs that under-display design is becoming more prevalent in consumer electronics.
What are the technical challenges of under-display Face ID?
Implementing Face ID and a camera beneath the display presents considerable engineering challenges.
Sensor Performance: Sensors must operate flawlessly through the display without any degradation in facial recognition accuracy.
Camera Quality: Camera quality must be maintained, addressing common issues with under-display cameras such as reduced brightness, sharpness, and color accuracy.
Why is Apple taking so long when Android phones already have under-display cameras?
Apple is known for its uncompromising quality standards. The company will likely only implement under-display technology when it meets its stringent performance and reliability criteria.
What are the alternatives to Face ID?
While Face ID has been the primary biometric authentication method on iPhones since the iPhone X (2017), there has been much discussion of bringing back Touch ID.
Under-Screen touch ID: It truly seems Apple continue to pursue under-screen Touch ID
* Side Button Touch ID: Apple reintroduced Touch ID on the iPad Air and iPad mini by integrating it into the power button. This is also a feasible alternative.
Under-Display Face ID: Key Takeaways
| Feature | Current Status | Expected Timeline | Design Impact |
| :—————- | :———————————————————————————– | :————————- | :———————————————————————————————————————————- |
| Under-Display Face ID | In development, facing technical challenges related to sensor and camera performance | 2026/2027 or later | Initial implementation may retain a visible front camera; long-term goal is a completely seamless, all-screen design. |
| Dynamic Island | Current solution for front-facing sensors | To be refined and reduced | Will be replaced by under-display Face ID technology in future iPhone models. |
| All-Screen Design | Apple’s ultimate objective | Long-term goal | A completely bezel-less display with no visible sensors or camera, fulfilling Jony Ive’s vision for the ideal iPhone design. |