Apple’s Next-Gen iPhone Displays to Include Under-Screen Face ID
Apple is reportedly preparing to equip its upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models with cutting-edge LTPO+ display technology. This advancement is expected to enable the integration of under-display infrared (UDIR) components, a crucial step towards embedding Face ID sensors beneath the screen. Such a move would mark a significant evolution in Apple’s design, potentially allowing for a fully seamless front display without the need for visible notches or cutouts.
Key Features and Manufacturing Details
The LTPO+ panels are an enhanced version of the existing LTPO technology, offering improved efficiency and capabilities. Crucially, this technology supports the under-display infrared sensors necessary for Face ID functionality, allowing Apple to position the front-facing camera and Face ID components beneath the OLED panel without compromising performance. However, the complexity of LTPO+ means that only a select few manufacturers can produce these displays at scale. According to recent reports, Samsung and LG will be the exclusive suppliers for these advanced panels, with Chinese manufacturer BOE excluded from the supply chain for the iPhone 18 Pro series.
Context and Previous Rumours
Earlier rumours suggested that Apple might adopt High Mobility Oxide (HMO) display technology, which promised greater efficiency and lower costs compared to LTPO. However, the latest information indicates that Apple has opted for LTPO+ instead, likely due to its superior support for under-display Face ID technology. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to launch alongside a new iPhone Fold model, which will also feature OLED displays exclusively supplied by Samsung. Additionally, Samsung is reportedly beginning mass production of OLED panels for the redesigned M6 MacBook Pro, signalling Apple’s broader adoption of advanced display technologies across its product range.
Looking Ahead
The introduction of LTPO+ panels with under-display Face ID technology could bring Apple closer to achieving an ‘all screen’ iPhone design, eliminating the need for visible sensors on the front of the device. While the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are set to be the first to incorporate this technology, it is expected that Apple will eventually extend LTPO+ displays to other high-end products, including future MacBook Pro models. Fans and industry watchers will be keen to see how these advancements translate into user experience when the new devices launch.
Source: ETNews