Apple is reportedly working on a major design shift for its iPhone 18 Pro Max, which is expected to arrive in 2026. While the launch is still some distance away, early details suggest the company is aiming for a cleaner, more immersive screen than ever before.
At the heart of this plan are two big changes: Face ID hidden under the display and a new position for the selfie camera.
If these changes make it to the final product, they could mark one of the biggest visual updates to the iPhone in years.
Face ID moves under the screen
One of the most talked about upgrades is the possible introduction of under screen Face ID. Apple is said to be exploring a way to place key Face ID parts beneath the display itself. These include the infrared light, dot projector and other sensors that allow the phone to securely scan a user’s face.
The goal is simple. Remove visible cutouts and give users a more open screen. A display without a notch or hole would allow videos, games and apps to feel less interrupted.
This is easier said than done. Face ID relies on extreme accuracy, even in low light or at odd angles. Hiding its components under the screen means the technology must work through display layers without losing precision.
Apple is known for holding back features until they meet strict standards, so it is unlikely the company will move forward unless the system performs as well as existing Face ID.
Selfie camera shifts to the left
Another expected change is the selfie camera being moved to the left side of the screen. This would be a clear break from Apple’s usual centred layouts. While this placement may look unusual at first, it appears to support the wider aim of creating a near full screen front.
Other brands, including Samsung, have used off centre camera placements in the past. However, Apple is expected to focus heavily on image quality. The company will need to ensure that selfies, video calls and face tracking work just as smoothly as they do now.
If Apple gets this right, most users may barely notice the change after a short adjustment period.
What happens to the Dynamic Island
The future of the Dynamic Island is another open question. This feature blends alerts and background activities into the screen and has become a familiar part of recent iPhones. A move towards a cleaner display may force Apple to rethink how this system works.
The Dynamic Island could be reshaped, reduced in size or redesigned in software rather than hardware. Apple is likely to keep features that users find helpful, but present them in a way that fits a more open display.
Apple and Samsung take different paths
These rumours also revive comparisons with Samsung. Samsung has often been quicker to release new display ideas, including under display cameras. Some early versions, however, were criticised for weaker image quality.
Apple tends to take a slower path. Instead of being first, it focuses on getting the experience right. This careful approach may explain why under screen Face ID has taken so long to appear on an iPhone.
A high risk, high reward move
Creating a phone with almost no visible front sensors comes with major technical challenges. Every component must work perfectly without affecting display quality, battery life or durability.
If Apple succeeds, the reward could be huge. A truly immersive display would set a new tone for premium smartphones and raise expectations across the industry.
While nothing is confirmed yet, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is shaping up to be more than a routine update. It could be Apple’s clearest step yet towards a future where the screen takes centre stage, and everything else quietly works behind it.
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