iPhone 19 Could Be Apple's First True All-Screen Device: Here's How That'll Be Possible
Creating a fully functional under-display Face ID system has been an uphill task due to the nature of infrared scanning.
Apple may finally be closing in on the dream of a truly seamless, edge-to-edge iPhone screen — and the milestone could arrive with the iPhone 19, set to launch in 2027. As per a report by The Information, the tech giant is developing a method to hide both the Face ID system and the front-facing selfie camera under the display, eliminating the need for notches or cutouts.
While this under-display tech might partially debut in next year’s iPhone 18 Pro models, the full-screen experience is likely being reserved for the 20th anniversary edition of the iPhone. If all goes to plan, that would be the iPhone 19 — a symbolic leap forward in design and innovation.
A Technical Puzzle Apple Might Have Cracked
Creating a fully functional under-display Face ID system has been an uphill task due to the nature of infrared scanning. Standard OLED or LCD panels don’t allow infrared light — essential for Face ID — to pass through effectively. This can hinder the system’s accuracy and reliability.
But Apple may have figured out a clever workaround. According to Patently Apple, the company has secured a patent that describes modifying display subpixels — the tiny RGB units that form the screen — to create transparent areas. These zones would allow infrared light to pass through without degrading the visual output. The patent also suggests removing wiring and touch sensors from these zones to ensure the Face ID system operates without interference.
This subtle yet sophisticated engineering could be Apple’s ticket to finally achieving a clean front design without compromising on functionality — a balance that’s been elusive in the smartphone industry.
iPhone 17 Might Offer a Preview of Things to Come
Although previous speculation hinted that under-display Face ID could debut in the iPhone 15 or 16, those expectations didn’t materialise. However, signs of an internal revamp may be on the horizon. Analyst Jeff Pu claims at least one model in the iPhone 17 series — likely the Pro Max variant — could come with a noticeably smaller Dynamic Island. If accurate, this shift could lay the groundwork for the under-display system in subsequent models.
Meanwhile, Apple is expected to reveal its iPhone 17 lineup this September. Rumours suggest it will include the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and a new model dubbed the iPhone 17 Air — a potential replacement for the Plus variant. Industry whispers indicate the iPhone 17 Air could be Apple’s slimmest flagship yet, measuring just 5.5mm thick and weighing around 145 grams.
A Familiar Idea, But With Apple’s Signature Touch
It’s worth noting that Apple isn’t first in line when it comes to under-display selfie cameras. Samsung and other Android players have already experimented with the tech in foldable devices like the Galaxy Z Fold series. However, those attempts have often compromised image quality, particularly for selfies and video calls — areas where Apple typically refuses to cut corners.
If Apple succeeds in merging cutting-edge display tech with the stellar front-camera performance users expect, the iPhone 19 could mark a historic design shift — and not just for aesthetics. It would signal the end of the notch era and the beginning of a new chapter for smartphone design.
Top Headlines
