Apple Could Soon Do Face ID Without Sensor
Apple is working on embedding Face ID into the display of future iPhones, overcoming the challenge of poor infrared (IR) light transmission through screens. A newly granted patent reveals a solution: removing some subpixels and associated wiring to create gaps for IR light to pass through, without compromising display quality. Apple would strategically eliminate subpixels next to same-color emitters in neighboring pixels, allowing the display to maintain its color fidelity. Additionally, removing parts of the touch-sensitive mesh in these areas could further improve IR transmission without affecting touch accuracy.
This innovation aligns with Apple’s long-term goal of achieving a seamless “single slab of glass” design, a vision championed by former design chief Jony Ive. While embedding Face ID appears to be a near-term priority, integrating the front-facing camera under the display remains a longer-term challenge due to current quality limitations.
Predictions of embedded Face ID in recent iPhone models, such as the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, have not materialized. Some speculate the feature might debut in the iPhone 17, but there is no concrete timeline for its implementation.