Apple’s iPhone 18 Series: Early Production Begins and Under-Display Face ID for Pro Models

iPhone 18 Series

Apple’s next major iPhone lineup is already generating buzz. According to a new report, all models in the iPhone 18 series are now in the prototype production phase, and the high-end Pro versions could bring one of the biggest front-facing design changes in years: under-display Face ID.

Prototype Production Underway

Tipster leaks suggest Apple has moved into early prototype production for the full iPhone 18 family — including the standard iPhone 18, the mid-tier iPhone Air 2, and the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. This usually means Apple is testing final components and displays ahead of mass production later in the year.

All models are expected to feature LTPO OLED displays with smooth 120Hz refresh rates, similar to what we’ve seen on recent iPhones. These panels deliver fluid scrolling and better power efficiency.

Under-Display Face ID for Pro Models

The real story is what might be next for Apple’s biometric authentication. Rumours suggest the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could hide Face ID sensors under the display, instead of housing them in the notch or Dynamic Island as seen on earlier models.

This would be a big visual shift. Today’s Face ID system uses visible sensors and infrared lights embedded above the screen. An under-display setup would keep the front clean and uninterrupted, letting the screen flow more naturally from edge to edge.

Other early leaks point out that Apple has been exploring similar under-screen Face ID technology for some time, and suppliers are reportedly gearing up. This is consistent with industry forecasts that Apple could start embedding Face ID beneath the display within the next couple of product generations.

What the Lineup Might Look Like

Here’s how the display sizes break down in the latest leaks:

iPhone 18: ~6.27-inch LTPO OLED panel with 120Hz and Dynamic Island.
iPhone Air 2: ~6.55-inch LTPO 120Hz display with Dynamic Island.
iPhone 18 Pro: ~6.27-inch LTPO 120Hz screen with under-display Face ID.
iPhone 18 Pro Max: ~6.86-inch LTPO 120Hz screen also rumoured to have under-display Face ID.

At this stage, Apple doesn’t appear ready to move the front camera under the display yet — that kind of change may come a bit later, around the iPhone 19 or even the iPhone 20.

A New Look for the Front of iPhones?

Under-display Face ID would allow Apple to reduce or even eliminate the traditional Dynamic Island cutout. Some reports suggest Apple could replace it with a smaller hole-punch camera if the TrueDepth camera system gets tucked under the screen.

This design direction isn’t unique to Apple. Other brands like Samsung and ZTE have experimented with under-display technology already. What’s unique is Apple’s focus on maintaining Face ID’s security and performance while integrating it seamlessly into the display.

What’s Next?

Right now, these details are based on leaks and supply chain whispers, so Apple’s official announcement could still change things. But if these rumours pan out, the iPhone 18 Pro models could be the first mainstream Apple handsets to offer truly hidden biometric tech — a subtle but meaningful evolution of the iPhone experience.

Most analysts expect Apple to reveal the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max around September 2026, with the standard iPhone 18 possibly following later or even in early 2027.