iPhone 18 Pro Puts Face ID Under the Screen
Apple has embedded the Face ID module beneath the iPhone 18 Pro display, using a modified pixel layout with larger gaps to let infrared light through.
Apple has embedded the Face ID module beneath the display of the iPhone 18 Pro, according to details of the company's approach. The move places the TrueDepth sensing hardware behind the screen rather than in a visible cutout.
To make this possible, Apple designed a different pixel layout with larger gaps between pixels, allowing infrared light to pass through the display to the sensors underneath. Apple confirmed that the overall pixel density over the Face ID module is reduced by half. To compensate, the company increases the brightness of the pixels over the module.
An IR pass filter appears to block visible light from passing through the gaps, keeping the display's appearance consistent while letting the infrared system work.
The change also allows for a smaller Dynamic Island, which now enables support for three live activities instead of two.
The under-display approach echoes a long-term vision described by former Apple design chief Jony Ive, who spoke of the iPhone as a single slab of glass.
Quick answers
How does Face ID work under the iPhone 18 Pro display?
Apple designed a pixel layout with larger gaps so infrared light can pass through to the Face ID module beneath the screen.
Does the under-display Face ID affect screen quality?
Apple confirmed the pixel density over the module is reduced by half, but the company increases the brightness of those pixels to compensate.
What is the benefit of the smaller Dynamic Island?
The smaller Dynamic Island enables support for three live activities instead of two.