Attention is turning to the iPhone 18, slated for release in 2026, as the latest rumors suggest Apple may finally introduce an under-display camera for the front-facing sensor. This move would allow the infamous display notch to shrink significantly or disappear entirely, paving the way for a true all-screen iPhone experience.
End of the Notch?
According to tipster Smart Pikachu, Apple is currently testing under-display camera technology for the iPhone 18. This rumor is given added weight by previous predictions suggesting that an under-display Face ID camera is also being considered for the 2026 handsets, indicating Apple is serious about clearing the front display.
While the technology has been rumored for iPhones for years, 2026 may be the year Apple finally implements it.
Learning from the Competition
Apple would not be the first manufacturer to adopt this technology. Samsung, for example, experimented with an under-display camera on the main screen of its Galaxy Z Fold 3 back in 2021. However, the camera quality was widely criticized, and Samsung has since reverted to conventional selfie cameras on newer models, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Apple’s strategy has historically been to refine existing technology before implementation. Features like Touch ID and Face ID were introduced after competitors had attempted similar technology, but were implemented with superior quality and performance. If the iPhone 18 does feature an under-display camera, it is expected that Apple will have perfected the technology to deliver excellent image quality, avoiding the pitfalls faced by early adopters.
The report also hints at a possible shake-up in Apple’s launch schedule for 2026, with the standard iPhone 18 models potentially appearing in March, separate from the Pro models’ traditional September release.
