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Apple is reportedly eyeing a foldable iPhone launch in 2026 — and one surprise could be an under-display front camera. A JP Morgan research note (via MacRumours) claims the device will ship with a 24MP under-display camera (UDC), a move that would mark Apple’s first use of hidden-camera tech in any product.
Borrowing a trick from Samsung — with a twist
Under-display cameras aren’t new. Samsung experimented with UDCs on the Galaxy Z Fold 3 through Fold 6, using a 4MP sensor to hide the selfie camera beneath the main display. That approach improved screen continuity but didn’t match the image quality of traditional hole-punch or notch cameras, so Samsung reverted to a visible front camera on the Fold 7.
Why Apple’s 24MP claim matters
The leap from a 4MP to a 24MP under-display sensor would be significant on paper. More megapixels can help with detail and low-light performance, but UDCs face unique optical hurdles: the display layer interferes with light gathering, and software must compensate for color and clarity losses. Apple’s camera and image-processing teams are strong, but can they overcome the physics that hampered earlier implementations?
Image quality vs. seamless design: the trade-off
Here’s the crux: UDCs promise a cleaner, uninterrupted screen experience — great for media, reading and apps — but often sacrifice selfie fidelity. If Apple prioritizes premium selfie quality, it might be a surprise if it fully commits to UDC optics. On the other hand, if Apple refines both sensor hardware and computational photography, it could force competitors like Samsung to rethink their strategy.
Imagine a foldable iPhone that blends a flawless inner display with selfies rivaling fixed-screen iPhones. That’s the scenario investors and fans are watching. Whether Apple can deliver that balance remains the intriguing question heading into 2026.
Source: sammobile
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