Behind the Screen: Apple’s Vision for Future iPhones Involves Integrating Selfie Camera and Face ID Sensors Under the Display
Apple is reportedly gearing up to incorporate under-display camera (UDC) technology in its upcoming iPhone models, with the feature anticipated to make its debut in the next couple of years. LG, a South Korean tech giant, is said to be in the advanced stages of developing an under-panel camera (UPC) that effectively conceals the cutout for the camera on a smartphone’s display, offering users an uninterrupted viewing experience during activities like gaming or video watching.
Apple is expected to replace the existing Dynamic Island display cutout with under-display sensors for both the camera and Face ID, marking a significant shift in design.
The report from The Elec (in Korean) highlights LG Innotek, the electronic component manufacturing arm of LG Group, as actively working on an advanced UDC system. One of the primary challenges faced by under-display cameras is the limited transmission of light, resulting in reduced image quality compared to traditional selfie cameras.
LG Innotek is employing its patented ‘freeform optic’ lens technology to address this issue. This technology is designed to enhance light transmission through the display, overcoming the inherent limitations of under-display cameras. LG Innotek has been actively pursuing patents related to this technology since 2021, covering aspects like the optical system, camera module, and mobile terminal.
By utilising a freeform lens, the company’s patent states that it can reduce the distortions such as lower quality in the peripheral areas or image blurring by adjusting the thickness of the surrounding lens, according to the report.
The Elec reports that Apple isn’t expected to equip its smartphones with a UDC module until 2026. Before equipping the iPhone with a camera located under the screen, Apple is reportedly looking to add an under display sensor for Face ID authentication.
While the inclusion of these sensors under the screen hints at the arrival of a future iPhone model with an “all screen” display, it is worth noting that Apple will not be the first company to equip its phones with an under-display camera. Chinese smartphones like the ZTE Axon 30 5G and the Xiaomi Mi Mix 4 — both released in 2021 — as well as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Fold 5 are also equipped with low-resolution selfie cameras located under the display.