Expectations for an iPhone with an under-display camera may not be met until the iPhone 19

One rumor that has been circulating for the past year is that Apple plans to release an iPhone with an under-display camera and under-display Face ID technology, allowing for a truly all-screen design without a visible screen cut-out. However, the latest leak suggests that this phone is still in the early stages of development and is unlikely to be released until after 2026, making the 2027 iPhone 19 the first potential candidate.

The report from South Korean tech news site, The Elec, via leaker @Tech_Reve, states that LG Innotek has begun advanced development on an under-display camera that is believed to be intended for a future iPhone. One of the notable features of LG Innotek’s technology is a “freeform optic” lens, which may improve the camera’s ability to capture light. Current under-display cameras on devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 are limited in their ability to capture light due to interference from the screen glass, resulting in lower quality photos. LG Innotek’s solution may address this issue.

Although the release of an under-display camera on an iPhone is likely several years away, the report also mentions that Apple plans to hide the Face ID components under the iPhone display before launching the under-display camera. This means that before 2027, we may see an iPhone with a small punch-hole cut-out in the screen, similar to many Android phones, with the Face ID parts hidden beneath the display. Eventually, there may be no cut-out at all.

However, it is important to consider that these time frames are subject to change, and delays are possible. While an under-display camera is a clear visual upgrade that Apple aims to achieve, the exact timeline is still uncertain. Overall, it seems that Apple is working towards incorporating an under-display camera in their future iPhones, but the question remains as to when this technology will become a reality.