Table Of Contents
Apple’s next-generation iPhone lineup may already be deeper into development than previously expected. According to a new leak, the iPhone 18 series has entered the prototype production phase, with display sizes for all models now being tested. Most notably, the leak claims that the iPhone 18 Pro models are being evaluated with under-display Face ID, a long-rumored feature that could mark a major design shift for Apple’s flagship smartphones.
The information comes from well-known Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station, who shared early hardware details on Weibo. While Apple has not officially confirmed any of these specifications, the claims offer a clearer picture of how the company may be shaping its 2026 smartphone strategy.
Prototype Production Suggests Early Hardware Decisions
The report states that Apple has begun sample or prototype manufacturing for the iPhone 18 lineup. This stage typically involves testing early hardware units to evaluate component integration, display performance, power efficiency, and reliability. While prototype production does not guarantee final specifications, it usually indicates that core design elements such as display sizes and panel technologies are close to being finalized.
Apple is known for testing multiple internal variants during this phase, meaning some features may still be dropped or refined before mass production begins. Still, entering the prototype stage suggests the company is confident enough in its current direction to move beyond early conceptual testing.
Four Models Planned, Foldable Absent
According to the leak, Apple is sticking with four traditional slab-style iPhones for the iPhone 18 generation. Interestingly, there is no mention of a foldable iPhone, despite ongoing speculation that Apple is working on one behind the scenes.
The reported lineup includes:
- iPhone 18
- iPhone Air 2
- iPhone 18 Pro
- iPhone 18 Pro Max
The absence of a foldable model could indicate that Apple plans to launch such a device separately or reserve it for a later release cycle, possibly tied to a major anniversary refresh.
Display Sizes and Technology Details
Digital Chat Station’s post outlines the following display configurations:
- iPhone 18: 6.27-inch LTPO OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and Dynamic Island
- iPhone Air 2: 6.55-inch LTPO OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and Dynamic Island
- iPhone 18 Pro: 6.27-inch LTPO OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and under-display Face ID
- iPhone 18 Pro Max: 6.86-inch LTPO OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and under-display Face ID
If accurate, this would mean Apple is standardizing 120Hz LTPO panels across the entire lineup, a feature that has previously been reserved for Pro models. The main distinction between standard and Pro devices would then shift toward biometric technology and internal hardware rather than display smoothness.
Under-Display Face ID Could Be the Big Upgrade
The most eye-catching claim is that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are testing under-display Face ID. Rather than housing Face ID sensors in a visible cutout, Apple may be experimenting with placing them beneath a dedicated section of the display.
While the leak references an “under-display display (new area)” due to machine translation quirks, the implication points clearly toward under-display sensor technology. However, sources suggest Apple is not yet ready to introduce an under-display selfie camera, meaning some form of Dynamic Island or visible front camera cutout may still remain.
If implemented successfully, under-display Face ID would allow Apple to reduce the visual footprint of the Dynamic Island while maintaining the security standards Face ID is known for.
iPhone Air 2 Still in Development
Another notable detail is the continued presence of the iPhone Air 2, despite reports that the first-generation iPhone Air underperformed in sales. Its inclusion suggests Apple is not ready to abandon the thinner, lighter form factor just yet.
The Air model may serve as a middle ground between the standard iPhone and Pro models, appealing to users who value portability and design over cutting-edge features.
Early Leak, Not Final Word
As with all early-stage leaks, these details should be treated cautiously. Apple frequently tests hardware features that never make it to commercial release, especially during the prototype phase. Display sizes tend to be among the more reliable leak points, but advanced technologies like under-display Face ID could still be delayed or limited to future generations.
Still, the report aligns with Apple’s long-standing strategy of gradual design evolution rather than abrupt change. If the iPhone 18 Pro models do debut with under-display Face ID, it would represent a significant step toward a cleaner, more immersive front display, even if a fully uninterrupted screen remains a goal for later releases.
For now, the iPhone 18 series appears to be shaping up as a refinement-focused upgrade, with meaningful but carefully controlled innovations reserved for Apple’s premium devices.
