A fresh rumor claims Apple and Huawei both work on a new generation of 3D face unlock hardware that takes up less space than today’s systems. The idea sounds simple: shrink the sensor stack, then tuck parts of it under the screen so you see less of a cutout.
That same post also hints Huawei wants to bring back its “overflow display” style next year, a design Huawei used on the P40 Pro era with heavy curves that wrap around the sides and even the top and bottom edges.
Apple’s next iPhone Look
Apple has chased a cleaner front design for years, but Face ID makes it harder than it sounds. Face ID relies on infrared and depth sensing components that need a clear path to your face. If Apple moves those parts under the OLED panel, it can shrink the visible area at the top of the screen.
Recent reporting lines up with that direction. Multiple rumors say Apple tests under-display Face ID for a 2026 iPhone generation, often described as the iPhone 18 Pro family. The common theme stays consistent: Face ID components move under the display, while the selfie camera still needs a visible opening, likely a small punch hole.
Some reports say the “Dynamic Island” could disappear if Apple pulls this off, while others expect Apple to keep a smaller version of it. In other words, you should treat the exact layout as unsettled, even if the direction feels clear.
The hard part: physics, not ambition
Under display cameras already show you the core problem. When you place pixels and display layers between a sensor and the world, you reduce light and add distortion. That challenge gets tougher for 3D face systems because they rely on precise infrared patterns and depth readings, not just a normal photo.
That is why many reports describe intermediate designs first. You move some parts under the panel, but you still leave an opening for the front camera, and sometimes you keep a visible area for certain sensors until performance matches today’s standards.
What you should watch in 2026
- A smaller cutout: Look for a shift from a large pill to a tighter opening, especially if the selfie camera sits alone.
- A new display stack: Reports often mention special display materials or structures that let infrared light pass through more cleanly.
- A return of aggressive curves on Huawei: “Overflow display” language points to a design move, not just biometrics. Huawei used that branding for quad curved glass in the P40 Pro era.
- Real-world unlock performance: You will know this tech is ready when it works fast in the dark, handles odd angles, and stays consistent without you thinking about it.
Right now, you have a believable direction and messy details. The leak says both companies want smaller 3D face hardware with partial under-display placement, and the broader reporting suggests Apple at least tests that approach for 2026. Huawei’s “overflow display” tease adds a design layer that fits its past playbook, but you should wait for hardware leaks and supply chain signals before you treat it as locked.
