Apple is said to be preparing for a major design transformation in its iPhone lineup over the coming years. While the iPhone 17 series is expected to launch in September 2025, early reports suggest the company is already working on significant hardware shifts for its 2026 and 2027 models.
Highlights
According to The Information, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max may introduce under-display Face ID technology.
This development could lead to the removal of the current Dynamic Island and result in a more minimalist display with only a small punch-hole for the front-facing camera.
The integration of Face ID beneath the display is expected to serve as a transitional step toward a completely uninterrupted screen.
That broader vision may come to fruition in 2027 with the launch of the iPhone 19 series, which coincides with the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone.
Apple is reportedly aiming for a full-screen design with no visible camera hardware or bezels by integrating both Face ID and the front-facing camera beneath the display panel. If realized, this design would mark one of the most significant visual overhauls in the iPhone’s history.
This direction aligns with industry-wide efforts to eliminate notches and cutouts, though Apple’s approach is reportedly centered on maintaining high performance in both display quality and camera function.
Competing brands like OnePlus and Red Magic have previously introduced under-display cameras or mechanical pop-up solutions. However, broader adoption across the smartphone market has been limited due to technical hurdles, particularly in image quality and screen clarity.
Alongside these design updates, the report indicates Apple is considering a shift in its release strategy.
By 2027, the company may explore launching flagship iPhone models twice a year—a significant departure from its current annual cycle. While this change is still speculative, it could signal a broader restructuring of Apple’s product development roadmap.
Separately, reports suggest that the iPhone 17 Pro may not feature the anticipated anti-reflective coating, which had been rumored to improve outdoor visibility.
This omission could indicate that Apple is selectively prioritizing new innovations while phasing out other experimental features as it prepares for larger design transitions.
Technological Advancements in Under-Display Components
Apple is reportedly working with LG Innotek to refine under-display camera (UDC) technology. The collaboration focuses on resolving light transmission issues that can degrade image quality.
LG Innotek’s ‘freeform optic’ lens technology is expected to enhance light capture, offering clearer images while keeping the camera hidden beneath the screen.
Foldable Devices Under Consideration
In addition to its under-display developments, Apple is also exploring foldable devices. Reports indicate the company is working on two foldable concepts: a larger device that expands into a 19-inch display, potentially for laptop use, and a smaller foldable iPhone.
These models are part of Apple’s broader initiative to diversify product form factors and revitalize user interest.
Enhanced User Experience
A full-screen design is expected to improve user experience by offering an immersive, uninterrupted visual surface. This could enhance tasks such as gaming, video streaming, and reading.
Developers may also adapt their applications to better utilize the expanded screen area, leading to a new wave of interface design optimized for display-focused devices.
Technical Challenges in Under-Display Camera Implementation
Despite the aesthetic appeal, under-display camera technology faces limitations. Reduced light transmission can result in lower photo quality, and current iterations of UDCs often use sensors with lower megapixel counts.
Apple’s partnership with LG Innotek is intended to address these concerns, but achieving image quality comparable to traditional front cameras remains an ongoing challenge.
Projected Timeline
Analysts suggest that under-display Face ID could appear in the iPhone 18 Pro models, with a fully seamless design—including both Face ID and the front-facing camera beneath the display—expected for the iPhone 19 lineup in 2027.
This launch would likely coincide with the iPhone’s 20th anniversary, offering a symbolic and functional milestone for the product line.
Although these reports remain unofficial, they offer insight into Apple’s long-term focus on delivering a more immersive and visually refined user experience.
