Apple is testing under-display Face ID on the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, marking a major step toward a true all-screen iPhone. Recent reports say Apple plans to use LTPO+ OLED panels, which support Under-Display Infrared, or UDIR, technology. This allows Face ID sensors to sit behind the display without affecting performance.
As a result, one prototype places the front camera in the upper-left corner, while the Face ID system remains hidden under the screen. To achieve this, Apple is relying on more advanced panel engineering than in its current iPhones.
Only Samsung and LG Can Supply LTPO+
The complex nature of LTPO+ limits Apple’s supplier options.
According to ETNews, “Samsung Display and LG Display will be in charge of displays for the iPhone 18 series and foldable iPhones that Apple will release this fall.”
This means BOE will not supply panels for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Industry sources say the technical requirements are too high for BOE at this stage.
An industry insider stated, “BOE has had problems with LTPO, but Apple is ordering LTPO+, which is more advanced,” and added, “Samsung and LG are the only ones that can support LTPO+ and UDIR.”
So Apple is expected to launch only two regular models this year: iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
iPhone Fold Also Tied to Samsung
ETNews also reports that Samsung Display will exclusively supply OLED panels for Apple’s first foldable iPhone.
“The foldable iPhone that Apple will introduce will also be exclusively supplied by Samsung Display,” the report said.
The device reportedly uses a new foldable OLED design that reduces visible creases and opens side to side along a vertical axis.
A Step Closer to the All-Screen iPhone
By adopting LTPO+ and UDIR, Apple moves closer to hiding all front sensors beneath the display. Over time, this should allow the front camera to move under the screen as well, without losing image quality.
For now, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to be the first Apple products to ship with this display technology. More devices, including higher-end MacBook Pro models, are likely to follow later.
