Display analyst Ross Young has predicted that the under-panel Face ID technology will debut on the upcoming “iPhone 17 Pro.” This cutting-edge feature would allow for a seamless unlocking experience, as the facial recognition sensors will be concealed behind the display, eliminating the need for a physical notch.
If Young’s prediction proves accurate, the iPhone 17 Pro would be the first-ever iPhone to incorporate this innovative technology, marking a significant step forward in the evolution of facial recognition technology. This marks a significant milestone in the development of iPhones, with the under-panel Face ID technology positioning the device at the forefront of innovation in the mobile industry.
According to an updated roadmap recently shared on Twitter, Ross Young has stated that the under-display Face ID technology, despite being a breakthrough feature, will still require a circular cutout for the front-facing camera. This design will continue to persist in upcoming iPhone models until the “Pro” iPhone models of 2027, which will completely hide the camera under the display, resulting in a truly “all-screen” look.
While this news may be slightly disappointing for Apple enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the ultimate all-screen iPhone, the upcoming models will still showcase the innovative under-display Face ID technology, which promises to revolutionize the unlocking experience. The circular cutout for the camera is a temporary solution until the technology advances enough to allow for a completely invisible front-facing camera.
There has been a significant change in Ross Young’s initial roadmap shared in May 2022 regarding the implementation of under-panel Face ID technology in iPhones. Previously, Young anticipated that the iPhone 16 Pro models would feature this cutting-edge technology in 2024. However, he has now revised his forecast, and the under-display Face ID technology is now expected to debut in the iPhone 17 Pro models instead.
According to Young, the delay is due to sensor issues, and this change implies that the two display cutouts that make up the Dynamic Island will remain unchanged across three consecutive Pro iPhone generations. Additionally, Young has also revealed that the standard iPhone 17 models will now include the ProMotion feature, which was previously exclusive to Apple’s high-end devices.