'All-Screen' iPhone Under-Display Camera Enters Development

[MacRumors]

Apple's Korean suppliers have begun developing smartphone under-display cameras (UDC), paving the way for the first iPhone with a true "all-screen" appearance.

According to The Elec, LG Innotek has entered the preliminary development of the UDC, which sits under the display and does not result in a visible hole in the panel when the camera is not in use.

A UDC differs from a typical front camera module, since it delivers less light to the image sensor. This is because light loss occurs as it passes through the display area before it reaches the camera lens, which can result in a deterioration in image quality and brightness.

To compensate for this, LG Innotek is developing a special "freeform optic" multiple lens system that can reduce optical aberrations and increase the light intensity ratio around the optical module to improve peripheral image quality. LG Innotek has been publishing patents for the technology since December last year, and more are expected now that development has begun.

LG Display, an affiliate of LG Innotek's LG Group, has also started UPC development, according to the report. LG Display aims to increase the UDC's light transmittance to 20% by 2023 and 40% after 2024, bringing it closer to the standard that Apple expects. Apple reportedly already received a UDC sample from an unnamed vendor, but rated it as unsatisfactory in performance.

Before Apple uses the perfected under-screen camera technology, it is expected to adopt under-panel Face ID technology in 2025's iPhone 17 Pro. This is expected to be Apple's last premium model to include a circular cutout for the front-facing camera. Apple will then adopt the UDC in 2027's "Pro" iPhone models, according to respected analyst Ross Young of research firm Display Supply Chain Consultants.

Article Link: 'All-Screen' iPhone Under-Display Camera Enters Development

 

[tomtad]

Dynamic Island, we hardly knew ya

 

[Skyscraperfan]

I do not like the idea, because how can you cover the camera with a sticker, if it is under the display? Then the sticker will hide a part of the display and the advantage of a camera under the display is gone.

And why do people want to film themselves? 90% of people are not beautiful enough to get filmed.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

I do not like the idea, because how can you cover the camera with a sticker, if it is under the display? Then the sticker will hide a part of the display and the advantage of a camera under the display is gone.

Why is that different from having a cutout camera IN your display, and then covering that?

And why do people want to film themselves? 90% of people are not beautiful enough to get filmed.

Not all of those 90% have as negative thoughts about themselves, as you seem to have.

 

[ixrated]

The UDC vs UPC is confusing, @MacRumors

 

[DFZD]

Rumour in 2033 -

“Apple iPhone Fold enters production confirms Some Analyst from Asia”

 

[winxmac]

I prefer the OnePlus 7 Pro implementation regarding the front facing camera, although that does not use Face ID...

Many Chinese phone manufacturers have tried the under display front camera but the output is like photo and video taken from early days of the smartphone as we know it [late 2000s to early 2010s]

 

[Pepperfection]

So 16 will just be a bigger sized phone but same looks?

 

[ItsASpider]

I do not like the idea, because how can you cover the camera with a sticker, if it is under the display? Then the sticker will hide a part of the display and the advantage of a camera under the display is gone.

And why do people want to film themselves? 90% of people are not beautiful enough to get filmed.

Or, and hear me out on this one, just don't put a sticker on your camera?

 

[k1121j]

Dynamic Island, we hardly knew ya

But wait isn’t that a feature 😂😂

 

[retrocool]

Picture quality will *always* be worse taken through a screen than having a cut-out, and front-facing cameras are already noticeably worse than the main rear camera. So thumbs down to this idea.

 

[mongobongo]

Can't come soon enough!

I think the amount of icons that are visible in the status bar have been lacking since iPhone X in 2017 because of the notch. I hate having to pull down Control Center just to see what my iPhone 7 could show with just a glance. Unfortunately Dynamic Island didn't improve on this at all. Hopefully under-panel FaceID in 2025 will already go a long way but true all-screen appearance is the way to go.

 

[orderoftheditch]

As someone who really doesn’t care about the front facing camera by does want a full uninterrupted display I am really looking forward to this release. My 12 PM does all I need but I would purchase a proper full screen iPhone in a heartbeat. Guess I will be holding off on a new iPhone purchase until 2025.

 

[Ridge Racer]

And why do people want to film themselves? 90% of people are not beautiful enough to get filmed.

Who decided that only “beautiful” people can film themselves? Maybe people want to have video calls with their friends or family? Are only beautiful people allowed to do that in your world?

 

[klasma]

And why do people want to film themselves? 90% of people are not beautiful enough to get filmed.

Right? Apple should really have higher standards here.

 

[AlexESP]

I prefer the OnePlus 7 Pro implementation regarding the front facing camera, although that does not use Face ID...

Many Chinese phone manufacturers have tried the under display front camera but the output is like photo and video taken from early days of the smartphone as we know it [late 2000s to early 2010s]

You’re right about the current status of under-the-display cameras, but that will of course improve.
And I disagree about the OnePlus - I think having movable hardware in a phone is a horrible idea, specially if it’s a camera.

 

[cicalinarrot]

And why do people want to film themselves? 90% of people are not beautiful enough to get filmed.

Don't worry, if anybody wants to film themselves, we'll ask you first if they're beautiful enough.

 

[Alex Cai]

Picture quality will *always* be worse taken through a screen than having a cut-out, and front-facing cameras are already noticeably worse than the main rear camera. So thumbs down to this idea.

Apple could stop improving their front camera but secretly develop better under-display cameras and use it on their first under display camera phone. Then Apple will advertise "our full display design with no compromises".

 

[CausticSoda]

Finally... iPhone XX, here we come!

 

[mectojic]

Apple shrinks Dynamic Island in 2025.
Dynamic Island disappears in 2027.
Apple will say "the Island is sinking due to climate change" and then market the iPhone 19 as their first 100% sustainable iPhone.

 

[gmarm]

2027? Maybe round that up to 2030

 

[iBluetooth]

But wait isn’t that a feature 😂😂

It was a masterful way of making something necessary, work with the users to allow them to see it in a positive way!

 

[DFZD]

As someone who really doesn’t care about the front facing camera by does want a full uninterrupted display I am really looking forward to this release. My 12 PM does all I need but I would purchase a proper full screen iPhone in a heartbeat. Guess I will be holding off on a new iPhone purchase until 2025.

Thats a reasonable expectation but you have to know why all the companies that tried with this idea dumped it very soon. The camera and the display part over the camera both were a big compromise and all the reviews called the technology pointless for most users. Thats how most Android OEMs then settled for punch hole cameras.

 

[CausticSoda]

2027? Maybe round that up to 2030

I reckon it will be the iPhone XX, which is 2027 (I think).

 

[bLackjackj]

Dynamic Island, we hardly knew ya

Its a Notch, and Apple can still annoy everyone by placing the software blob in the same spot. I beg of you Apple, please have an on/off toggle,..hate the old Notch and current Notch!