Apple’s next big iPhone design shift may be happening sooner than expected. New reports claim Apple is testing under-screen Face ID for the iPhone 18 lineup, a move that could dramatically reduce visible cutouts and bring the company closer to its long-discussed “all screen” iPhone vision. One reported prototype even places the front-facing camera in the upper-left corner, suggesting Apple is experimenting with multiple layouts as it refines the hardware.
To make under-display Face ID work reliably, Apple reportedly needs a more advanced OLED panel than what’s used today. The latest information points to Apple pursuing LTPO+ display technology for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. A key reason is LTPO+ support for Under-Display Infrared (UDIR) technology, which can allow Face ID’s infrared-based components to sit behind the OLED panel while still functioning properly.
That technological leap comes with major supply chain consequences. Because LTPO+ panels are complex to manufacture at scale, the report says Apple will rely on Korean suppliers to produce them in volume. In practical terms, that means Samsung and LG are expected to handle mass production for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, while BOE is expected to be left out of the supply chain for these upcoming flagship models.
Interestingly, this direction differs from an earlier claim that Apple was looking into a different approach using High Mobility Oxide display technology to improve efficiency and keep costs down compared to standard LTPO. Now, the focus appears to have shifted toward LTPO+—a more advanced route that better aligns with Apple’s under-display biometric ambitions.
The report also mentions that Apple’s 2026-style iPhone lineup may include the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max as the two “regular-shaped” flagships, launching alongside a foldable model often referred to as the iPhone Fold. Separately, Samsung is said to be a key supplier for the foldable device’s display, reinforcing how central Korean display makers could become across Apple’s premium product pipeline.
If Apple successfully integrates LTPO+ into the iPhone 18 Pro models, it could represent an important stepping stone toward a truly seamless front design. With Face ID components moving under the screen first, Apple could eventually refine the same display technology to place the selfie camera beneath the panel as well—without sacrificing photo quality, which has historically been a major challenge for under-display cameras.
Looking beyond iPhone, LTPO+ may not stay exclusive to Apple’s smartphones. Expectations are that the technology could eventually reach other high-end Apple products, including premium MacBook Pro models. For now, however, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are believed to be the first devices lined up to launch with LTPO+ displays.
