iPhone 18 Pro Max Face ID Doesn't Play Nice With Matte Screen Protectors

Blogger Dave2D found that the under-display Face ID in the iPhone 18 Pro Max works unreliably with matte screen protectors: the matte texture scatters the IR pattern. With a clear protector or none, the issue does not occur; Apple has not commented.

• Face ID in iPhone 18 Pro Max is placed under the display for the first time
• Matte protectors scatter the IR signal and break recognition
• With a clear protector or none, Face ID works normally
• Apple has not officially acknowledged the problem