Executive Summary

According to multiple leaks and industry reports, Apple is planning a bold redesign of its straight-edge iPhone (non-foldable version) for 2027, featuring a true all-screen front with both the front-facing camera and the Face ID (3D facial recognition) modules placed beneath the display. The move is part of a multi-year roadmap that gradually phases out visible sensor cut-outs and notches.

Timeline & Key Features

Phased rollout

• 2025: According to rumours, the iPhone 17 generation will focus on rear-camera redesigns rather than front sensor changes.
• 2026: The iPhone 18 or 18 Pro models are expected to introduce under-display Face ID, though still retain a visible punch-hole or small cut-out for the front camera.
• 2027: The big change — models will launch with no visible front cut-outs, achieving a seamless front-glass design with both the selfie cam and Face ID hidden under the screen.

Major technical highlights

• Under-display camera for selfies: The front-facing camera will be placed beneath the display panel, eliminating visible holes or notches. This is technically challenging because image quality and light transmission suffer when the sensor is covered by display layers.
• Under-display 3D Face ID / Face recognition: The Face ID system, which uses infrared dot projectors, an IR camera, and a flood illuminator, will also be embedded below the glass surface, enabling a fully clean front. One patent outlines “pixel removal” and transparent windows in the display for IR passage.
• “True full-screen” design: The goal is an uninterrupted sheet of glass with ultra-thin bezels, minimal frame, and no sensor interruptions — fulfilling what the former design lead (Jony Ive) envisioned years ago.

Why the Big Shift?

• Cleaner user experience and aesthetics: Removing the notch, Dynamic Island, holes, and cut-outs creates a more immersive front face and consistent design language.
• Differentiation in a crowded smartphone market: With many Android brands already offering under-display cameras or minimal cut-outs, Apple’s leap would reaffirm its premium design leadership.
• Prolonged hardware roadmap: Designing a major redesign for 2027 gives Apple multiple years to refine the under-display technology, manage yield and integration, and rollout at scale.

Challenges & Considerations

• Image quality trade-offs: Under-screen cameras historically suffer from reduced light, color shifts, and artifacts due to the display layers above. Apple must ensure the selfie camera meets its high standards.
• Secure biometric performance: Face ID’s sensor suite includes an IR dot projector and an IR camera; placing them under glass/display complicates IR transmission and could affect reliability or security if not properly engineered.
• Cost and manufacturing yield: New technologies, especially under-display sensors, often face yield issues, higher costs, and production complexity — factors Apple will need to manage before mainstream rollout.
• Market timing and segmentation: It’s likely these features first appear on Pro or high-end models before trickling down — meaning not every 2027 iPhone may carry the full “under-display camera + Face ID” package.

Implications for Users & Market

• For users: If delivered as reported, users will enjoy a more immersive front display, a cleaner design, and no visible sensor disruptions. However, the price might be higher initially, and early units may attract early-adopter risks (e.g., first-gen effects).
• For accessory ecosystem: Screen protectors, cases, and repair/maintenance services may need adaptation for the new sensor layouts (under-glass instead of visible modules).
• For competitors: Apple’s push might accelerate under-display camera and biometric tech across the industry, raising user expectations for “no-hole” front screens.

Final Thoughts

While the 2027 timeline is still a rumour, it represents a potentially significant milestone for the iPhone line. If Apple successfully launches a straight-edge iPhone with both under-display camera and 3D Face ID, it could mark the clearest shift toward a “single sheet of glass” design paradigm. That said, the challenges are non-trivial — and as always with Apple rumours, caution is warranted. The rollout might be phased, delayed, or limited to specific models. But for now, the vision is compelling.

The above content is compiled by ModeZone, a fashion and entertainment magazine.