Apple Patent May Signal Breakthrough in Under-display Face ID

Apple has made significant progress toward embedding Face ID technology directly into iPhone displays, according to a newly granted patent. This development would represent a step toward achieving the company’s longstanding goal of creating a seamless “single slab of glass” design without notches or bezels, following the vision of former design chief Jony Ive, who was instrumental in pushing Apple to embrace biometric authentication for iPhones.

The primary technical challenge has been enabling infrared (IR) light transmission through display layers, as Face ID’s functionality relies on IR light which traditionally doesn’t travel efficiently through multiple display components. Previous attempts to address this included selectively deactivating display pixels, which yielded limited success. This challenge has been particularly notable given Apple’s commitment to maintaining high security standards for its facial recognition system, which uses 30,000 IR dots to create detailed 3D facial maps.

The patent details several technical solutions to overcome these limitations. A key innovation involves the strategic removal of display subpixels to create pathways for IR light transmission. In this approach, individual red, green, or blue subpixels are eliminated, while neighboring subpixels compensate for the missing elements to maintain display quality. The patent also describes the removal of associated wiring and modifications to the touch-sensitive mesh in these areas.

Additional technical improvements include the optimization of horizontal and vertical control lines to create continuous open areas, reducing diffraction and improving IR light transmission. These modifications are designed to maintain display quality while enabling more efficient facial recognition functionality. This approach builds upon Apple’s previous research into HCSEL laser technology for under-display Face ID implementation.

The implementation timeline for this technology remains uncertain. Current industry reports indicate the technology might debut in future models such as the iPhone 17 Pro Max or a potential iPhone 17 Air. These devices are expected to feature reduced Dynamic Island sizes or potentially just a camera punch-hole design.

Beyond Face ID integration, embedding the front-facing camera within the display continues to present technical challenges, particularly regarding image quality. This has been an issue for both Apple and competitors like like Xiaomi, which has been working on similar technology for years. The challenge of maintaining high image quality while placing the camera behind display components has proven to be a significant hurdle for all manufacturers pursuing this design approach.

Sources: 9to5Mac, PhoneWorld

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January 15, 2025 – by Ali Nassar-Smith