Continuing the back and forth of rumors over under-display Face ID, a new leak claims that Apple plans to introduce it in the iPhone 18 Pro in 2026.

Ever since the notch first appeared in the iPhone X, there have been claims that Apple would remove it by placing a Face ID underneath the display. Most recently, though, rumors have conflicted, with a leak in September 2025 saying it was coming to the iPhone 18 Pro, but one in November 2025 saying it wasn't.

Now, leaker "Smart Pikachu" on Chinese social media site Weibo claims that Apple is testing a new process that would enable it. Depending on the machine translation used, the technology is either "stitching" or "spliced" micro-transparent glass.

As first spotted by MacRumors, this appears to be similar to certain existing techniques. Micro-perforated, or nano-patterned glass has previously been used to boost IR transmission.

While there are no further details of the technology, the leaker also claims that the process is quite advanced. It's reportedly far enough along in testing that the supply chain is said to be preparing for production.

Leaker Smart Pikachu has no track record in Apple reports. However, he or she is said to have previously been accurate with Android hardware leaks.

Under-screen bio authentication

This latest leak is specifically about Face ID under the display of an iPhone, which would presumably reduce the need for a notch. That notch area, though, also contains an ambient light sensor, a proximity sensor, and the iPhone's front camera.

So it's possible that even putting Face ID under the display would not entirely remove the need for a notch.

Just as rival leakers have been making different claims about under-display Face ID, others have been doing the same about Touch ID. Repeated claims say that the iPhone Fold in 2026 will feature under-display Touch ID — and that it won't.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is firmly on the side that it will not. That view appears to be backed up by how each half of the iPhone Fold must necessarily be thinner than the current iPhones.

Consequently, Kuo believes that the iPhone Fold will have Touch ID on a side button — as the iPad Air does now. It is difficult to determine exactly when Apple might introduce under-display Face ID to the iPhone, if it ever does before some other biometric authentication tech comes along.