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A Game-Changing Shift in iPhone Design Is on the Horizon
Apple may be closer than ever to delivering the long-rumored all-screen iPhone — with no notch, Dynamic Island, or visible front camera. According to a new leak, the iPhone 19 could be the first to include an under-display selfie camera, completing Apple’s vision of a seamless, uninterrupted front display.
The journey to this futuristic design appears to be taking place in two major steps: first, embedding Face ID components under the screen; second, hiding the front-facing camera beneath the display. Each stage poses its own technical hurdles, but the company seems ready to push the boundaries of smartphone design — especially with the 20th anniversary iPhone looming in 2027.
Here’s everything we know about this bold transformation in Apple’s roadmap and what it means for the future of iPhones.
The Path to a Full-Screen iPhone: What We Know So Far
According to a leak from a reliable source, Apple is reportedly preparing to make the leap to under-display selfie cameras by 2027 — possibly in the iPhone 19 lineup. If true, this would be the second major technological milestone in Apple’s plan to remove all visual interruptions from the iPhone’s front.
Step 1: Under-Display Face ID (Coming in 2026)
Apple’s first move is expected to debut in the iPhone 18 Pro models, featuring Face ID sensors completely embedded beneath the screen. This step was long delayed due to technical challenges, especially how poorly infrared light — used in Face ID — passes through a display.
However, a recent Apple patent revealed a breakthrough. Apple plans to remove specific subpixels from the screen, creating invisible openings for infrared light to function effectively. This allows the Face ID system to work without disrupting the screen’s visuals.
The tech world was given another hint when The Information confirmed Apple is finally ready to implement this in the iPhone 18 Pro. Additionally, a long-time Apple partner claimed its under-display tech would be used in a smartphone launching in 2026, further aligning with these expectations.
Step 2: Under-Screen Front Camera (Expected in 2027)
The more complex innovation will be integrating the front-facing selfie camera beneath the display. While this technology exists today in a primitive form, image quality is far below Apple’s standards.
Rumors from Digital Chat Station — a leaker with credible sources — claim internal testing is underway, and that Apple could debut the tech in 2027. This would mark a significant turning point, enabling a truly all-screen iPhone.
Reported design progression from the source suggests:
2025: Rear redesign with horizontal camera matrix
2026: Front redesign with under-display Face ID
2027: Full-screen design with both Face ID and front camera beneath the display
9to5Mac’s Viewpoint
Industry experts are cautiously optimistic. While 2027 seems ambitious, especially given the current under-display camera quality, Apple’s history of launching polished technology — rather than rushing — suggests they won’t compromise quality.
Still, with the iPhone’s 20th anniversary approaching in 2027, Bloomberg has teased that Apple is planning a groundbreaking model that’s “extraordinarily complex.” This could be the perfect moment for the company to unveil its long-awaited “single slab of glass” iPhone.
What Undercode Say: 🧠 Deep Dive into
Apple’s roadmap to a full-screen iPhone marks not just a design evolution but a technical revolution. Here’s an analytical look at what it means for Apple and the smartphone industry:
1. The Design Philosophy
Apple’s hardware evolution has always leaned into minimalism. Removing physical buttons, the home button, and eventually the notch has been a consistent trajectory. The final frontier is removing all visible tech from the display — something no brand has perfected at Apple’s level.
- Why Under-Screen Face ID is Easier Than a Camera
Technically, Face ID relies on structured light and depth mapping, which can still perform adequately through a specially modified OLED display with invisible cutouts. Apple’s patent confirms they’re using subpixel manipulation to achieve this. Cameras, however, need high transparency and zero distortion — difficult when placed under a screen.
3. Why 2027 Matters
The symbolic weight of 2027 — marking 20 years since the first iPhone — cannot be overstated. Apple is known for grand, commemorative product moments. A fully uninterrupted iPhone display would be a fitting milestone, serving both aesthetic and marketing purposes.
4. Challenges with Under-Screen Camera
Brands like ZTE and Xiaomi have tried this before. The result? Blurry, low-quality selfies due to screen interference. Apple’s high bar for camera quality, especially as selfies dominate social use cases, means they’ll only launch this once they can match (or exceed) current results.
5. Market Implications
If Apple succeeds, it could trigger an industry-wide shift in smartphone design. Competitors like Samsung and Google may rush to respond, sparking a new hardware arms race centered around under-screen tech rather than chipsets or refresh rates.
6. Consumer Reception
While tech enthusiasts may celebrate a fully immersive screen, average consumers might be wary of camera quality degradation. Apple’s success will hinge on delivering a seamless visual experience without compromising functionality — especially for apps like FaceTime, Instagram, and TikTok.
7. Developer Considerations
Developers may need to optimize app interfaces assuming no Dynamic Island or camera cut-out. This opens a new chapter in UI/UX design, potentially offering more creative freedom or posing adaptation challenges.
8. Sustainability Angle
Fewer mechanical parts and reduced complexity in screen cutouts could improve repairability and environmental impact. Apple might spin this as a sustainability win in future keynotes.
🔍 Fact Checker Results
✅ The under-display Face ID timeline aligns with credible patents and reputable leaks.
✅ Under-screen selfie cameras are technically feasible but currently lack quality.
✅ Bloomberg’s report confirms Apple’s 2027 model will be unusually advanced.
🔮 Prediction
Apple will likely launch the first iPhone with full under-screen Face ID in 2026 through the iPhone 18 Pro. The true all-screen iPhone, with both Face ID and camera beneath the display, is expected in 2027 — potentially branded as a 20th Anniversary Edition iPhone. Apple may market this as its most iconic iPhone yet, redefining the smartphone once again. 📱✨
References:
Reported By: 9to5mac.com
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