Apple is working on a major change for the iPhone 18 series that could remove the Dynamic Island completely. New leaks suggest the company is testing technology to hide the Face ID system and selfie camera under the display. This would give users a full screen without any cuts or notches at the top.
According to The Sun, a tech leaker called “Smart Pikachu” shared details about this on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform. The leak says Apple is testing under-display 3D technology with a special see-through glass panel for the iPhone 18. This testing is expected to speed up work across Apple’s suppliers.
Right now, the Dynamic Island holds the Face ID sensors and front camera. It replaced the notch that first appeared on the iPhone X in 2017. While the Dynamic Island shows useful information like music controls, it still blocks part of the screen when you watch videos or play games.
Apple has been trying to fix this screen problem for years
If Apple manages to hide both the camera and Face ID under the screen, it would be the biggest iPhone redesign in years. The main question is how much of the hardware they can actually hide under the glass without affecting performance.
Reports suggest Apple is testing different versions at the same time. In May, some sources said the iPhone 18 Pro would hide Face ID completely under the screen. The camera would just be a tiny hole, which means no Dynamic Island at all. Apple has been expanding its technology features beyond phones, including digital key support for car manufacturers.
However, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said in June that the 2026 iPhone might have a smaller Dynamic Island instead. This means Face ID could be hidden, but the camera might still need a visible cutout. Display expert Ross Young believes only the expensive iPhone 18 Pro models will get the under-screen Face ID first.
Don’t expect to see this new display anytime soon. Apple won’t announce the iPhone 18 series until September 2026. Until then, the company recently launched the iPhone 17 Pro in a bright orange color and introduced the thin iPhone Air model.
Apple is also reportedly working on a foldable phone to compete with Samsung and Google. In early 2026, the cheaper iPhone 17e will launch as a budget option. While Apple continues innovating, the company has faced some customer complaints about AirPods safety concerns. But the under-display technology will be the real game-changer for how the iPhone looks and feels.
Published: Dec 12, 2025 11:45 am