Apple is reportedly making progress in its efforts to create an iPhone with a completely uninterrupted display. The latest rumors regarding the iPhone 18 suggest that the company is currently testing under-display camera technology. This would allow the front-facing selfie camera and the components for Face ID to be hidden beneath the screen panel, eliminating the need for a notch or the current “Dynamic Island” cutout. While this goal has been discussed for several years, current leaks point to 2026 as the potential year for its introduction.
The challenge with under-display cameras is maintaining high image quality. Because light must pass through the display pixels to reach the camera sensor, photos can sometimes appear blurry or dim. Apple is known for waiting until a technology reaches a specific performance standard before including it in its products. If the tests are successful, the iPhone 18 Pro models would be the first to feature this “all-screen” design, providing a more immersive experience for watching videos and playing games.
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Catching up to the competition
The concept of an under-display camera is not new to the smartphone industry. Samsung first introduced this technology in 2021 with the release of the Galaxy Z Fold 3. At that time, the implementation was criticized for having a visible “screen door” effect over the lens and producing lower-quality images compared to standard selfie cameras. Since then, several other manufacturers have experimented with the technology in various foldable and high-end devices with mixed results.
Apple’s approach typically involves refining existing concepts to ensure they work reliably for a mass audience. Beyond the camera itself, Apple must also ensure that the infrared sensors used for Face ID can function accurately through the display layers. If Apple succeeds in hiding these sensors without compromising security or photo quality, it would represent a significant design shift for the iPhone, which has featured some form of screen cutout since the introduction of the iPhone X in 2017.
Release and pricing information
The iPhone 18 series is expected to follow Apple’s standard launch cycle, with a probable announcement in September 2026. However, some industry analysts have suggested that Apple might adjust its schedule, potentially releasing the standard iPhone 18 models earlier in the year while reserving the Pro models for the fall. It is currently unclear if the under-display camera would be included across the entire lineup or remain an exclusive feature for the higher-end Pro and Pro Max versions.
As for pricing, the introduction of such advanced display technology often leads to higher manufacturing costs. While it is too early for finalized pricing, the iPhone 18 Pro is likely to maintain its premium positioning, starting at approximately $999 to $1,099. If Apple achieves a completely “notchless” design, the device will likely be marketed as a major milestone in the evolution of the iPhone. Official details will remain unavailable until Apple‘s formal product announcement, likely nearly two years away.
