The iPhone 18 Pro, expected to launch in late 2026, will feature a 120 Hz OLED LTPO panel, an under‑display Face ID sensor, and the removal of the Dynamic Island. Available in roughly 6.4‑inch and 6.86‑inch sizes for the Pro and Pro Max variants, the device promises a seamless, edge‑to‑edge front design while maintaining Apple’s all‑day battery narrative.
Key Specifications
Display
Both Pro models will adopt a fluid 120 Hz refresh rate as a standard feature, moving away from the previous optional “ProMotion” toggle. The Pro Max will sport a 6.86‑inch OLED LTPO screen—the largest ever on an iPhone—while the standard Pro version is expected to be around 6.4 inches.
Under‑Display Face ID
Apple plans to embed the Face ID hardware beneath the screen, eliminating the visible notch or cutout. This shift requires a redesign of the sensor array and the panel’s pixel layout, leveraging advanced micro‑LED backlighting and custom silicon optics to maintain fast, reliable recognition even in low‑light conditions.
Design Changes
The Dynamic Island, introduced in 2022, will be completely removed from the Pro lineup. Instead, the front will feature a clean, uninterrupted edge, creating a uniform visual language across all premium Apple devices.
Why It Matters
These updates narrow the gap with Android flagships that already offer under‑display authentication and high‑refresh displays. By standardizing 120 Hz across the Pro line, Apple aligns its performance with the industry baseline for premium smartphones.
- Seamless Front Aesthetic: No notch, no Dynamic Island – a truly bezel‑less experience.
- Enhanced Interaction: Faster, smoother scrolling and animations thanks to the 120 Hz panel.
- Future‑Ready Authentication: Under‑display Face ID positions the iPhone as a direct competitor to Android’s under‑display fingerprint and facial solutions.
What to Expect at Launch
The official unveiling, likely in September 2026, should confirm battery capacity, the next‑generation A‑18 Bionic processor, and iOS 18 integration. Analysts will focus on the reliability of the under‑display Face ID system, especially its speed and accuracy in varied lighting.
Market Impact
The larger Pro Max screen and high‑refresh rate will pit the iPhone 18 Pro Max directly against Samsung’s Galaxy Ultra series and Google’s Pixel Pro models. A successful under‑display Face ID could also influence design choices for upcoming iPad Pros, MacBooks, and the anticipated Apple Watch redesign.
Bottom Line
Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro line blends incremental hardware upgrades—120 Hz OLED LTPO panels and larger displays—with bold design shifts, notably the removal of the Dynamic Island and the introduction of under‑display facial authentication. If executed well, the 2026 launch could represent the most significant visual and functional evolution of the iPhone since Face ID debuted.
