Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max bring a major design change to the front display by moving the Face ID infrared camera beneath the OLED screen. This shift reduces the size of the visible cutout and gives the new Pro models a cleaner, more immersive look.
Instead of the larger pill-shaped Dynamic Island cutout seen on previous models, the iPhone 18 Pro series now uses a much smaller opening dedicated mainly to the front-facing camera. The result is a display that feels more expansive, with fewer interruptions when watching videos, playing games, browsing the web, or using apps in full screen.
Apple achieves this by using an advanced under-display camera approach. A specially engineered section of the OLED panel has a lower pixel density, allowing infrared light to pass through the screen. This lets the Face ID sensor scan the user’s face securely without needing a separate visible hole for the infrared camera.
Face ID remains a key part of the iPhone experience, and placing the infrared camera under the display is an important step toward Apple’s long-rumored all-screen iPhone design. While the front camera still requires a small cutout, hiding part of the Face ID system beneath the display makes the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max feel more modern and refined.
This upgrade is especially important for users who care about screen design. A smaller cutout means more usable display area and a less distracting front panel. It also gives the iPhone 18 Pro lineup a fresh visual identity compared to earlier Pro models.
With this generation, Apple appears to be moving closer to a future where sensors, cameras, and biometric hardware are hidden beneath the display. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max may not be completely cutout-free yet, but the under-display Face ID technology marks a significant step in that direction.
