20th-anniversary iPhone, anticipated to avoid any display cutouts in 2027. A source named Smart Pikachu mentioned on Weibo that Apple is actively experimenting with the screen technology necessary for the Face ID sensors to function while situated beneath the OLED panel. As reported by MacRumors, this Weibo account has a history of accurately revealing supply chain insights regarding Android hardware advancements in China.
Incredible that we predicted all iPhone 17s would feature LTPO with 120Hz almost 2.5 years ago. Unfortunately, the timeline for under panel Face ID has been pushed back…. pic.twitter.com/XCg9baZmpp
— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) September 9, 2025
In particular, Smart Pikachu states that Apple is evaluating a “spliced micro-transparent glass” window that may be integrated into the display to enable the TrueDepth camera’s infrared sensors to penetrate the panel. The infrared projection needs to reach the user’s face, enabling the Face ID camera to then capture the 3D map of that face for user authentication. The system must operate perfectly, meaning the OLED panel cannot obstruct the infrared transmission. This remains speculation, as Apple has not yet provided details on integrating the 3D face recognition system beneath the iPhone display. Notably, rumors about under-display Face ID emerged several years ago.
