Foldable iPhone's Under-Screen Camera Likely Won't Include Face ID

[MacRumors]

Apple's rumored foldable iPhone currently in development features an under-screen camera integrated into the folding display, but the module is unlikely to include TrueDepth components that make up Face ID. That's according to Weibo-based leaker Digital Chat Station who has sources within the Chinese supply chain.

On Monday, the leaker revealed the alleged screen resolutions for the 7.76-inch inner display and the 5.49-inch outer display of Apple's book-style foldable device, and they also claimed that the inner display uses "under-screen camera technology." However, it was not clear whether this meant the TrueDepth system that underlies Face ID would be integrated beneath the screen along with the selfie camera.

The latest tidbit of information clears this up, and suggests that the display will have a single punch-hole camera. It also aligns with industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo's claim that Apple's foldable iPhone will forgo Face ID authentication, instead using a Touch ID side button as a means to save precious internal space. Apple already integrates Touch ID into the side button on some iPads, so there's precedent for this.

Integrating Face ID under the screen is difficult because the core components that make up the TrueDepth camera system – like the dot projector and infrared camera – need a clear, unobstructed view to accurately scan your face. Current display layers block or distort infrared light, which degrades the system's ability to create a secure 3D facial map. Fully under-display Face ID will remain a technical hurdle until displays can transmit infrared light cleanly.

That said, it's possible that Apple has already made advances toward achieving such a feat. Apple is also developing a larger 18.8-inch foldable device, and according to Digital Chat Station, one of Apple's engineering prototypes features a "metal superstructure lens" that integrates the receiver and transmitter components of Face ID for under-display facial recognition.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has suggested the "giant" foldable tablet will launch in 2028. Whether the new Face ID technology makes it into the finished device is unknown.

Apple will launch its long-rumored foldable iPhone late next year with a ~$2,000 premium price tag attached, according to Gurman.

Article Link: Foldable iPhone's Under-Screen Camera Likely Won't Include Face ID

 

[Shalev Lazarof]

SO excited, SO pumped about this device and foldables in general, this tech will allow the combination of the UI and the UX of iPhone and iPad.

IMO, foldable tech will create new categories of mobile devices, amazing form factors and this one is the first of them (might not be named iPhone/iPad, maybe ... to differentiate).

*Renders from the forum

 

[smirking]

I was hoping to have Touch ID back, but not like this.

 

[geta]

Because Touch ID is much superior! and hopefully they'll bring it back to their other models.

 

[CausticSoda]

I quite like that image. If they can minimise the crease and the device is really sleek and well-built (and that is something Apple probably would do well) I might very well be tempted. I don't keep an iPhone and an iPad and Mac. I found that too much to bother with. But an iPhone that doubled up as an iPad Mini in some respects alongside my MacBook Air... I'd probably be happy with that arrangement.

 

[Xade]

Because Touch ID is much superior! and hopefully they'll bring it back to their other models.

How is it superior? It's a pain in the arse on the ipad mini if you have the Apple cover on.

 

[Yimbaz]

I’m excited about this. I quite like the Pixel Fold, but Android tablet apps have always been useless. I would love having access to iPad apps on a larger foldable screen.

Apple, if you’re looking for a name, how about iBook?

 

[JapanApple]

a relic from the late 90s in this form factor. exciting! not.

 

[geta]

How is it superior? It's a pain in the arse on the ipad mini if you have the Apple cover on.

I use iPad Mini 6 with Apple cover on and having zero issues using the Touch ID. 🤷‍♂️

 

[darngooddesign]

I dont think this is true. Apple is going to stick to a single authentication method so either TouchID or FaceID on both screens instead of FaceID when folded and Touch ID when unfolded. The rumors are all over the place, first its hole punch with Face ID, and now its under screen with TouchID.

 

[novagamer]

Of course it won’t, Apple would need to include two faceID systems and the outer screen is already confirmed to have a hole punch which can accommodate faceID to support attention aware features and unlocking.

The inner screen will unlock via some clever timing mechanism and they will need to use touchID for authentications until a future revision.

 

[nfl46]

They gotta save something for Apple Fold 2. Lol. Knowing Apple, it’s intentional.

 

[DrJR]

SO excited, SO pumped about this device and foldables in general, this tech will allow the combination of the UI and the UX of iPhone and iPad.

IMO, foldable tech will create new categories of mobile devices, amazing form factors and this one is the first of them (might not be named iPhone/iPad, maybe ... to differentiate).

*Renders from the forum

Me too! It is a "reset" of sorts that is needed to freshen innovation. I am very jealous of Samsung's stuff, but I think Apple can one-up it.

 

[wanha]

even if FaceID were technically possible to deploy under the screen, it's unlikely Apple can afford to fit two FaceID systems on a device whose BOM is likely already extremely high and will result in a + $2000 device

 

[breather]

FaceID > TouchID

 

[SBlue1]

This is not a folding iPhone that folds in half. It's an unfolding iPhone that doubles its size. Or a folding iPad.

 

[Ctrlos]

Here's hoping we get an iPhone Mini that unfolds into a Max phone instead of an iPad crossover. If Apple could popularise the design of the Huawei Pura X I think they'd be onto a winner.

 

[tucotuti]

Here's hoping we get an iPhone Mini that unfolds into a Max phone instead of an iPad crossover. If Apple could popularise the design of the Huawei Pura X I think they'd be onto a winner.

I don't think they will go that road, but would be really cool to see their twist on that design. Going three fold like Huawei Mate XT would be nice also, but apple would charge a kidney for that.

 

[smirking]

Apple, if you’re looking for a name, how about iBook?

If I somehow end up with one of these I’m so calling it my phoneBook.

 

[Ctrlos]

I don't think they will go that road, but would be really cool to see their twist on that design. Going three fold like Huawei Mate XT would be nice also, but apple would charge a kidney for that.

Apple are a victim of their own success in this market. A lot of people put off by the dubious durability, however misinformed of Samsung foldables will likely trust Apple to build one that is less fragile but this may not be the case. You only have to look at the iPhone 6 debacle to see how people treat their devices.

Say what you like about innovation but every Apple product is at least well-made.

 

[Chiromac81]

This is a bad trade off to not have Face ID...

 

[subjonas]

I dont think this is true. Apple is going to stick to a single authentication method so either TouchID or FaceID on both screens instead of FaceID when folded and Touch ID when unfolded. The rumors are all over the place, first its hole punch with Face ID, and now its under screen with TouchID.

Of course it won’t, Apple would need to include two faceID systems and the outer screen is already confirmed to have a hole punch which can accommodate faceID to support attention aware features and unlocking.

The inner screen will unlock via some clever timing mechanism and they will need to use touchID for authentications until a future revision.

I only remember there being rumors about the fold having Touch ID. Were there ever rumors about it having Face ID (in either screen)? Did I miss it?

 

[Idi Pishkai]

Nokia Communicator? Is it you? It´s been a while ...

 

[W2u7Yw4HaD]

Because Touch ID is much superior! and hopefully they'll bring it back to their other models.

It's not and less secure.. Far more cases where it doesn't work as opposed to faceID.. They even addressed the issue with it not working horizontally as well over the years..

 

[W2u7Yw4HaD]

This is a bad trade off to not have Face ID...

I also don't believe this rumour.. I would like to see Touch ID on the apple watch however..