Apple preps bold iPhone 18 upgrade
The iPhone 18 might finally introduce an under-display front camera, a feature that Apple has reportedly been testing for some time. Insiders claim the company is exploring ways to hide the selfie camera beneath the screen, allowing for a completely uninterrupted display — a technology Samsung explored years before.
Under-display camera tests underway
According to reliable industry sources, Apple engineers are in the advanced testing stage of this camera integration. The main goal is to completely eliminate the display notch, which has been part of iPhone design since 2017. If successful, this would result in a sleek, all-screen iPhone look that fans have been requesting for years.
A long-rumored innovation revisited
Speculation about Apple introducing an under-display camera has circulated for several iPhone generations. Each year, expectations grew, but Apple continued refining the technology behind the scenes. Now, 2026 could finally mark the transition from experimental designs to a commercially viable product ready for mass production and consumer rollout.
Drawing from Samsung’s past experience
Samsung was one of the first to implement the concept with the Galaxy Z Fold 3 back in 2021. While the feature sounded futuristic, the execution was far from perfect — image quality suffered due to reduced light intake. Apple, however, is said to be tackling those same challenges with advanced sensor algorithms and display layering techniques.
Apple’s reputation for perfected timing
Historically, Apple has avoided being first to market with new technologies, preferring to refine and perfect them instead. This measured approach allowed the company to set industry standards for features like fingerprint scanning and facial recognition. The under-display camera could follow that same carefully tuned path toward mainstream success.
Gradual evolution toward all-screen design
Apple’s long-term vision reportedly includes creating a true all-screen iPhone, with sensors, cameras, and Face ID technology all embedded beneath the display. The iPhone 18 may represent a major milestone in achieving that vision, potentially redefining the smartphone aesthetic and setting a new bar for premium design minimalism.
Competitive landscape heating up
While Apple refines its design, competitors across the smartphone industry are also advancing their own under-display camera systems. Brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, and ZTE have already tested similar technologies, though none have yet achieved Apple’s rumored balance between display clarity and camera performance on par with traditional setups.
Camera quality remains the biggest hurdle
The key challenge Apple faces lies in maintaining consistent photo quality despite the display layer covering the camera. Engineers are reportedly using adaptive pixel transparency and enhanced AI image correction methods to counter distortion and glare. These innovations could preserve Apple’s tradition of top-tier camera performance even under new constraints.
What to expect next year
With all major 2025 iPhone launches completed, attention now shifts squarely to 2026 and the iPhone 18 lineup. If Apple’s tests prove successful, users can look forward to the first notch-free iPhone — a device blending futuristic aesthetics with Apple’s signature polish, potentially redefining premium smartphone design once again.
