Apple’s Bold Move: In-Display Camera Plans to Challenge Huawei’s Dominance

The smartphone industry is on the verge of a major design revolution as the battle for the perfect "all-screen" experience intensifies. A new rivalry is taking shape between tech giants Apple and Huawei, centering on the highly anticipated integration of in-display camera technology. While manufacturers have teased this for years, recent reports suggest that Apple is accelerating its plans to deliver a seamless, cutout-free display that could redefine the look of the iPhone forever.

The 20th Anniversary iPhone: A Revolution in Design

According to insights from industry tipsters, Apple is looking toward its 20th Anniversary iPhone model, expected to launch in the coming years, as the platform for its most radical design shift yet. This model is rumored to feature a quad-curved waterfall display that extends over the edges on all four sides. To complement this, the frame is expected to be a mere 1.1mm thick with a rounded design, creating a device that looks like a seamless, continuous piece of glass.

The most significant aspect of this leak is the removal of the "Dynamic Island" or any visible camera cutouts. By moving the camera sensors and Face ID components beneath the display, Apple aims to achieve the "uniform slab" look that Steve Jobs originally envisioned. This change would also likely see the end of physical buttons, replaced by capacitive or pressure-sensitive touch areas along the edges.

Huawei vs. Apple: The Race for Under-Display Sensors

While Apple is making headlines with its long-term plans, Huawei has been the traditional leader in pushing display boundaries. The Chinese tech giant has been widely expected to be the first to market with functional under-display 3D facial recognition. However, the race has become a tight contest of engineering prowess.

Reports indicate that Apple is currently navigating the complexities of light transmission through screen layers. Placing high-precision camera sensors beneath an active OLED panel often results in image degradation, a hurdle Apple is determined to clear before a commercial release. On the other hand, while Huawei has the ambition to overtake Apple in this segment, concrete details on their specific 2027-era preparations remain closely guarded.

Wider Competition: Honor and the Next Generation

It isn't just a two-horse race. Other manufacturers like Honor are also entering the fray, with rumors suggesting the Honor Magic 8 Ultra could feature under-display 3D face recognition as early as this year. The industry is clearly moving toward a future where the hardware becomes invisible, leaving only the digital content on display.

Despite these advancements, the timeline for when these technologies will become standard remains uncertain. The transition requires a perfect balance between display quality and sensor accuracy, ensuring that security features like Face ID are not compromised by the glass covering them.

What is a quad-curved waterfall display?

A quad-curved waterfall display is a screen that curves deeply over all four edges (top, bottom, left, and right) of the phone. This design minimizes the visible frame and creates an immersive effect where the display seems to wrap around the entire device.

How does an in-display camera work?

The technology uses a specialized transparent display area above the camera lens. When the camera is not in use, this area displays pixels like the rest of the screen. When the camera is activated, the pixels dim or become transparent to allow light to reach the sensor underneath.

Will the 20th-anniversary iPhone still have Face ID?

Yes, the goal of this technology is to move the entire Face ID sensor array, including the infrared camera and dot projector, beneath the screen glass so that it remains functional without requiring a notch or cutout.

When can we expect the first iPhone with no cutouts?

Current rumors point toward the 2027 iPhone lineup, which would coincide with the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone, as the most likely candidate for this major hardware debut.

Is Huawei still ahead in this technology?

Huawei has been testing under-display 3D recognition for some time. While they may launch the technology earlier in specific markets, the global competition with Apple remains fierce as both companies strive for the highest level of sensor precision.

🔎 The race toward a truly bezel-less, cutout-free smartphone is the next great frontier in mobile technology. Whether Apple or Huawei reaches the finish line first, the result will be a new era of industrial design that prioritizes aesthetics and immersion above all else. As we approach 2027, the anticipation for a device that is "all screen" continues to grow, promising a future where the technology itself fades into the background, leaving only a window to the digital world.