It was only yesterday that we reported Apple could be planning to split up the iPhone 18 series launch in 2026 and 2027. In that news, we also mentioned that the iPhone 18 Pro variants could have a new under-display Face ID for the first time.
We took a pinch of salt over this piece of information yesterday, but this rumour has popped up once again. According to a reputable leaker, Digital Chat Station from Weibo, he wrote that the recent supply chain checks have revealed Apple is testing the under-display 3D face recognition technology for both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
With the introduction of the potential under-display Face ID, this also means removing the Dynamic Island and the models are expected to adopt a single punch-hole front camera. It won't be just any cut-out, but a Hole-In-Active-Area (HIAA) technology, whatever that means. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 18 and the alleged iPhone 18 Air should continue using the conventional dual punch-hole + one sensor layout.
In case you missed our news report yesterday, Apple could be planning to launch the iPhone 18 Pro variants first in September 2026, alongside a new foldable iPhone and iPhone 18 Air. As for the non-pro models, they could be released a few months after that in the spring of 2027. Sources say that in this way, Apple will have an easier time managing the manufacturing process.
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