The latest speculation surrounding the iPhone’s screen technology suggests that Apple will completely eliminate the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 20 Pro and replace it with a selfie camera and Face ID sensors hidden beneath the screen.

This is considered a major leap in iPhone design, aiming for a truly "full-screen" experience.

For years, tech enthusiasts have speculated about Apple hiding the front camera entirely beneath the iPhone’s screen.

Not long ago, a leak from Digital Chat Station claimed that Apple would not choose this direction and instead opt for a small hole-punch design similar to many high-end Android smartphones.

However, the same source recently said Apple will indeed apply under-display camera technology, but not until 2027.

On China’s social media platform Weibo, the leaker noted that the “under-display camera plan for flat iPhones” will begin in 2027, as Apple needs more time to perfect the technology.

Why is Apple slower than Android?

Under-display front cameras aren’t new. Several Android manufacturers have already commercialized this technology in recent years.

However, the image quality of under-display cameras remains a significant issue, with blurry photos, lack of detail, and poor low-light performance.

Apple has always followed the philosophy of delivering a polished product rather than rushing to be first. Thus, its slower timeline compared to Android doesn’t mean Apple is falling behind, but rather that it's striving for image quality equal to or better than traditional selfie cameras.

The leak also indicated that by 2027, not only Apple but also Android manufacturers would have more devices with high-quality under-display cameras.

This shows that the entire industry is still facing technical challenges, with no perfect solution in sight.

At present, Apple still needs a screen cutout to house the Face ID system and selfie camera. Dynamic Island is Apple’s approach to turning hardware limitations into a more intuitive software experience.

However, Apple’s long-term ambition is to eliminate all screen cutouts, including the Dynamic Island, to create a completely seamless front display.

There had been previous speculation that Apple would integrate Face ID under the screen as early as the iPhone 18 Pro series in 2025, but recent information indicates the plan has been pushed back.

2026: Under-display Face ID, but visible selfie camera?

In May 2025, Ross Young - a reputable analyst in the display industry from Counterpoint Research (formerly Display Supply Chain Consultants) - predicted that Apple would implement under-display Face ID in 2026, but the selfie camera would still be visible.

In other words, Dynamic Island or a small camera cutout could persist for another year.

This approach aligns with Apple's strategy of gradual testing to ensure technology is stable before large-scale deployment.

Meanwhile, Digital Chat Station - who predicted the 2027 timeline - has a moderately reliable track record, but not outstanding.

Other sources like Instant Digital have also made predictions about under-display cameras, though their credibility remains limited.

With the roadmap constantly shifting, one thing is clear: Apple is treading carefully with this technology.

An under-display selfie camera and Face ID represent a major technological step, and if Apple succeeds, it could mark the biggest design overhaul since the launch of the iPhone X in 2017.

Hai Phong