In 2024, Apple appears set to introduce an under-display Face ID system for its flagship iPhone lineup. This claim comes backed by a new patent and is echoed by the Apple-focused outlet Patented Apple Portal, which notes the company’s ongoing exploration of a true screen-embedded biometric. Industry analyst commentary also aligns with the idea that under-display Face ID could debut on the iPhone 16 Pro in 2024, with base models following suit in the same generation. The outlook extends further, suggesting a future iPhone 18 Pro by 2026 that would not only house an invisible Face ID sensor beneath the display but also place the front camera under the screen. While these forecasts draw from multiple sources, the core message is clear: Apple is actively pursuing camera and biometric components that disappear behind the display while maintaining, or potentially enhancing, security and user experience.
A parallel report from Elec, a well-known Korean tech portal, complements the patent and analyst views by describing under-screen sensors functioning similarly to the front camera layout found in Samsung devices, such as the Galaxy Z Fold4. This comparison helps readers visualize how an under-display Face ID might operate in practice, blending biometric recognition with a seamless, uninterrupted screen surface. Observers note that Apple has long experimented with reducing the visual footprint of front-facing hardware. The journey began with the iPhone X, where the Face ID sensor and the camera were housed in a notch cutout that broke the top edge of the display. In subsequent generations, Apple refined the design, narrowing the notch on the iPhone 13 series and eventually replacing it with the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro. The trajectory suggests that the company may eventually abandon visible edges altogether in favor of a fully hidden under-screen solution, where the sensors sit beneath the glass without altering the phone’s silhouette.
If this evolution comes to pass, users could enjoy a cleaner screen while retaining the robust biometric security that Face ID has offered since the iPhone X. This shift would also align with broader industry trends toward more compact hardware footprints and more immersive displays. The implication for developers and accessory makers is straightforward: new models could require updated authentication flows, camera modules, and screen technologies to ensure flawless performance behind the display. In the meantime, consumers should watch for official confirmations and hands-on demonstrations, as a true under-screen Face ID is a complex engineering challenge that hinges on maintaining reliable facial recognition in varying lighting conditions, angles, and user scenarios.
It is important to note that not all reports agree on timing or exact feature sets. Some outlets emphasize the possibility of staged introductions, where incremental improvements appear first on higher-end models before expanding to mid-range devices. Others caution that patent filings do not always translate into immediate product features, pointing to the long road from concept to production. Regardless of the exact schedule, the overall direction is consistent with Apple’s history of integrating increasingly invisible components that prioritize a seamless user experience without compromising security. This trend holds potential implications for privacy, ecosystem design, and the way future iPhones balance hardware visibility with architectural elegance.
Beyond the hardware discussion, earlier coverage highlighted a separate security concern: reports of account breaches linked to simple passcodes. A published note by SocialBites.ca described an incident in which a user lost a significant amount after a basic password was exploited. Such stories underscore the ongoing importance of strong authentication methods and the role that advanced biometrics could play in reducing reliance on easily guessed credentials. As Apple explores under-display Face ID, consumers may also see improvements in how biometric data is stored, processed, and protected, reinforcing confidence in the secure authentication framework that accompanies modern devices.