Under-Display Face ID Testing for Pro Models
The testing is said to focus on the Pro and Pro Max variants of the iPhone 18 series, with standard models like the iPhone 18 and 18 Air expected to retain existing facial recognition designs. The move continues Apple’s practice of introducing new features to its higher-end devices before expanding them to the broader lineup.
According to reports, the under-display system would include not only Face ID components but may also incorporate proximity and ambient light sensors. However, most available sources focus primarily on the core Face ID system. Integrating this technology beneath the display presents considerable engineering challenges, particularly in maintaining the system’s accuracy and security while operating through OLED panels.
This development lines up with Apple’s broader research efforts. The company has been granted multiple patents related to under-display Face ID sensors over the past two years, indicating a sustained focus on minimizing visible hardware while maintaining robust authentication capabilities. That said, there is no official confirmation of a production timeline, and the technology’s readiness for mass deployment remains uncertain.
Design Shift in Line With Industry Trends
The shift toward concealed biometric hardware reflects a larger industry trend. Smartphone makers have been working to eliminate visible notches and bezels, with Chinese manufacturers introducing under-display fingerprint sensors as early as 2018. Facial recognition systems, however, involve more complex components and optical requirements, making under-display integration significantly more difficult.
The reported testing also comes amid broader enhancements to Apple’s Face ID ecosystem. Although not directly tied to hardware, recent updates in iOS 18.2 include new software-based authentication features, such as allowing Face ID to verify trusted computers. These developments underscore Apple’s continued investment in facial recognition technologies, both in software and hardware.
As with other early-stage hardware testing, Apple’s final decision on whether to include under-display Face ID in the iPhone 18 Pro lineup will likely depend on performance, production scalability, and supply chain readiness. Until then, the technology remains in a pre-production evaluation phase.
Sources: MacTrast, iPhone in Canada, Gadgets360
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May 6, 2025 – by Ali Nassar-Smith
