Apple’s pursuit of a truly bezel-less, uninterrupted display might be under development. New supply chain reports suggest that this may arrive with the iPhone 18. According to a new report, Apple is actively testing Under-Display 3D technology for the iPhone 18 series. This development would allow Face ID sensors to be concealed entirely beneath the screen, marking a significant milestone in smartphone engineering.
The latest details originate from “Smart Pikachu“, a technology leaker with a notable presence on the Chinese platform Weibo. They have previously provided accurate insights regarding upstream supply chain movements. In a recent update, the leaker explicitly stated that the iPhone 18 series has entered the material testing phase for “Under-display 3D technology.” This refers to the infrared dot projector and flood illuminator components necessary for Apple’s secure facial recognition system.
Implementing Face ID through an OLED panel presents substantial optical challenges. The display matrix typically obstructs or diffracts the infrared light required for accurate facial mapping. To circumvent this, the report indicates that Apple is testing a specific material solution known as “Spliced Micro-Lens Glass.”
Technically, this suggests a manufacturing process where the glass above the sensor array is modified with micro-lenses. This structural change is designed to guide light through the display pixels with minimal signal loss or distortion, ensuring that Face ID retains its security standards without requiring a visible cutout.
Should this technology materialize for the iPhone 18 Pro models, it would represent the final step in removing the physical intrusion of the camera system from the user interface. It remains to be seen how Apple will adapt iOS to this hardware change. The Dynamic Island currently serves as a central hub for system alerts and Live Activities.
Would you miss the Dynamic Island if it disappeared, or do you prefer a 100% uninterrupted screen? Let us know in the comments! Stay updated with the latest news on this by downloading the Appleosophy App from the App Store or by visiting our website.
