What would under-display Face ID have meant, and what does its absence cost users?

The shift to an under-display Face ID array would have enabled a smaller Dynamic Island in iPhone 18 Pro. What's lost: a smaller Dynamic Island means more visible screen real estate at the top and a cleaner visual design — closer to what Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra achieved with its smaller punch-holes. Its absence means the same design continues for a third consecutive year since iPhone 16 Pro, which may discourage some 17 Pro users from upgrading

Why do rising RAM prices specifically lead to dropping under-display Face ID?

The goal is to preserve iPhone 18 Pro pricing, as the under-display sensor array would add significant cost at a time when RAM costs are also rising. Apple faces a dual squeeze — RAM up 50% quarter-on-quarter per Counterpoint, plus the added cost of the new Face ID sensor architecture. Combining both would noticeably raise iPhone 18 Pro pricing. Apple chooses to sacrifice the sensor to protect its price point and defend sales in an increasingly competitive market.

Is the A20 Pro chip on 2nm alone enough reason to upgrade?

Remaining upgrades include A20 Pro on 2nm, a variable aperture camera, and a battery exceeding 5,000mAh for the Pro Max. A 2nm chip means higher performance at better power efficiency and more capable on-device AI. The variable aperture camera is a genuine innovation — dynamically regulating light intake like a professional camera. A 5,000mAh+ Pro Max battery would be the largest ever in an iPhone Pro Max. For 17 Pro users: upgrade urgency is low. For 16 Pro users or older: the cumulative gains are meaningful.

When will under-display Face ID actually reach iPhone?

The under-display Face ID array is allegedly postponed to the generation after iPhone 18 Pro. If this rumor holds, iPhone 19 Pro (2027) becomes the new target for this technology. Apple rarely pre-announces features, but under-display Face ID rumors have been building for over two years. The technology is technically mature (Samsung already offers under-display cameras in some models), and Apple's delay suggests cost rather than technical barriers are holding it back.

How does this rumor affect the buy-now versus wait decision?

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to launch in September alongside iPhone Fold/Ultra. If you're on iPhone 16 Pro or older: the 18 Pro still offers A20 Pro + variable aperture camera + larger battery — a compelling overall upgrade. If you're on iPhone 17 Pro: upgrade urgency weakens significantly after the headline feature was removed. If you were specifically waiting for under-display Face ID: iPhone 19 Pro (2027) is your target.

Leak: iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max May Retain the Same Dynamic Island — Under-Display Face ID Delayed to Next Generation Due to Rising RAM Costs

25/03/2026

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Rumored to Keep the Same Dynamic Island — Under-Display Face ID Pushed to Next Generation

For a long time, rumors pointed to iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max featuring a smaller Dynamic Island thanks to an under-display Face ID sensor — so widely expected it was treated as confirmed. But a new rumor from China today suggests the Dynamic Island on the duo will remain identical to the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, with the under-display Face ID array allegedly postponed to the next generation.

Likely Reason: Preserving Pricing Amid Rising RAM Costs

While the source (prolific Digital Chat Station on Weibo) hasn't outlined why, it's easy to speculate that Apple may want to keep iPhone 18 Pro pricing the same as last year — or minimize any increase driven by RAM costs. Sacrificing a new, likely expensive component like the under-display sensor array allows that without harming iPhone profitability.

DCS also states that screen sizes and shapes will be identical to the iPhone 17 Pro models.

What's Still New in iPhone 18 Pro?

The only upgrades in the next generation will be the A20 Pro chip built on 2nm, a variable aperture camera, and a battery capacity upgrade — to over 5,000mAh for the Pro Max. Whether these spec bumps will be enough for strong sales remains to be seen.

September Launch Alongside iPhone Fold — or iPhone Ultra?

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to be unveiled in September alongside the iPhone Fold — or potentially the iPhone Ultra, as some recent rumors suggest.

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