iPhone 18 Pro Leak Adds New Evidence for Under-Display Face ID

Apple is reportedly testing under‑screen Face ID for next year’s iPhone 18 Pro models using a “spliced micro‑transparent glass” window in the display to let TrueDepth infrared sensors pass through, according to a Chinese leaker; the approach mirrors industry micro‑perforated/nano‑patterned solutions and suppliers are said to be accelerating preparations. The move bolsters other leaks and analyst commentary suggesting a smaller, slimmed Dynamic Island with TrueDepth components shifted below the panel while retaining a reduced front‑camera cutout. The iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to ship in September alongside a new foldable as part of a split launch cycle, with standard iPhone 18 variants delayed until early 2027, implying a notable design and supply‑chain shift concentrated in Apple’s high‑end lineup.

Analysis

A Chinese leaker, Smart Pikachu, reports Apple is testing under‑screen Face ID for next year’s iPhone 18 Pro using a “spliced micro‑transparent glass” window to let TrueDepth infrared sensors pass through the display; the technique mirrors industry micro‑perforated or nano‑patterned glass approaches and is intended to prevent IR distortion. The leak says suppliers have begun accelerating preparations for potential production, which aligns with a mildly positive, speculative market tone reflected in the signals.

Multiple rumors and analysts provide partial corroboration but not consensus: The Information suggested iPhone 18 Pro could drop the Dynamic Island for a pinhole, while Ross Young and Mark Gurman predict a slimmed or smaller pill plus under‑display Face ID; the micro‑transparent window claim supports a design that shifts TrueDepth components below the panel while retaining a reduced front‑camera cutout. Apple is expected to launch iPhone 18 Pro models in September alongside a new foldable as part of a split cycle, with regular iPhone 18 and 18e delayed to early 2027, concentrating near‑term product and supply‑chain risk around high‑end models.

The story matters because successful under‑display Face ID would be a visible hardware differentiation for Apple’s high‑end lineup and could drive supplier revenues if production ramps; however, the reporting remains speculative and execution dependent, so timing and scale of any revenue impact are uncertain. Investors should treat current supply‑chain acceleration signals as conditional until Apple or multiple suppliers confirm manufacturability and production timelines.

Key Decisions for Investors

• Monitor Apple statements and supplier production guidance for confirmation of under‑display Face ID and manufacturing yields before increasing exposure to AAPL
• Watch supplier order activity and earnings commentary from panel and TrueDepth component suppliers as an early indicator of an imminent production ramp
• Consider event‑driven positioning ahead of the expected September iPhone 18 Pro launch but avoid relying solely on leaks—scale exposure after supply confirmations
• Maintain risk controls or hedges reflecting execution risk given mixed analyst reports and the possibility that full product rollouts are limited to high‑end models