iPhone 18 Pro to Feature Advanced LTPO+ Displays with Under-Screen Face ID
Apple is reportedly advancing its iPhone technology by integrating under-display Face ID in the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro series. This development signifies a substantial move towards achieving a seamless, all-screen design. The key to this innovation lies in the adoption of LTPO+ OLED panels, which support Under-Display Infrared (UDIR) technology, enabling Face ID sensors to function effectively beneath the display without compromising performance.
Technological Advancements with LTPO+ Displays
The implementation of LTPO+ (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) OLED panels is central to this advancement. These panels are engineered to support UDIR technology, allowing infrared sensors essential for Face ID to operate from beneath the screen. This integration not only enhances the aesthetic appeal by eliminating visible notches but also maintains the high security and efficiency standards associated with Face ID.
Supplier Dynamics: Samsung and LG at the Forefront
The complexity of LTPO+ technology narrows Apple’s supplier options to industry leaders Samsung Display and LG Display. According to reports from ETNews, these two companies are set to supply the advanced displays for the iPhone 18 series and Apple’s anticipated foldable iPhones. This collaboration underscores the technical challenges involved, as other manufacturers like BOE are currently unable to meet the stringent requirements of LTPO+ and UDIR technologies.
An industry insider highlighted, BOE has had problems with LTPO, but Apple is ordering LTPO+, which is more advanced, adding that Samsung and LG are the only ones that can support LTPO+ and UDIR.
Design Innovations: Camera Placement and Display Integration
Prototypes of the iPhone 18 Pro suggest a strategic placement of the front-facing camera in the upper-left corner of the display, while the Face ID system remains concealed beneath the screen. This design choice aims to maximize screen real estate and provide a more immersive user experience. Achieving this requires advanced panel engineering to ensure that the under-display components function seamlessly without affecting display quality or sensor performance.
Implications for Apple’s Product Lineup
The introduction of under-display Face ID is expected to debut exclusively in the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models. This selective implementation indicates Apple’s strategy to differentiate its premium offerings with cutting-edge technology. Additionally, reports suggest that Samsung Display will exclusively supply OLED panels for Apple’s first foldable iPhone, which is anticipated to feature a new design minimizing visible creases and opening along a vertical axis.
Towards a True All-Screen iPhone
By adopting LTPO+ and UDIR technologies, Apple is making significant strides toward eliminating all front-facing sensors from view, paving the way for a truly uninterrupted display. While the current focus is on integrating Face ID beneath the screen, future developments may also see the front camera moving under the display without compromising image quality. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are poised to be the first Apple devices to showcase this advanced display technology, with potential applications extending to higher-end MacBook Pro models in the future.
