In the Android world, smartphone makers have long moved far away from traditional notches to punch-hole cutouts. Some, like ZTE, Xiaomi, and now Samsung, have even jumped on under-display cameras, sometimes called under-panel sensors or under-screen cameras. Apple, however, has thus far remained a loyal bucket-notch user, but which may be changing soon. The iPhone 14 could alright see the primary time Apple switches to an under-display Face ID implementation, but that doesn’t mean the camera will also be hidden behind the display.
Smartphone makers have always dreamed of giving users the maximum amount of screen space possible, but the front-facing camera has always gotten in their way. Various solutions are tested, from notches to popup cameras, but the perfect has been to hide that camera and everyone other front-facing sensors completely. Ideal but not yet practical, as proven by current implementations of those under-display cameras.
Apple has never been one to implement something half-baked, so we’re unlikely to ascertain it dive into under-display cameras even next year. It might, however, move far away from that notch in favor of hiding the Face ID sensors beneath the screen. Consistent with display supply chain consultant Ross Young, the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models have a high chance of implementing an under-display Face ID next year.
Regarding iPhone 14 leaks, great to see. We showed under panel Face ID in the 2022 Pro models in June…Also showed the 2023 lineup as well. pic.twitter.com/dGcm5n0bEO
— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) September 8, 2021
To be clear, the camera won’t be under the display, and Apple is presumably to use a punch-hole cutout for that image sensor. What will be hidden beneath the screen are the opposite Face ID components that sometimes take up space on the notch, namely the dot projector, flood illuminator, and infrared camera. That said, Young does warn that it isn’t a final feature for the iPhone 14 next year but that it’s easier to tug off than an under-display camera.
I would say under panel Face ID isn't final yet. Still being worked on. It is easier than under panel cameras though.
— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) September 8, 2021
Young’s iPhone 14 feature list notes the presence of Touch ID, presumably under the screen also. Apple has long been rumored to be performing on this technology, even before the primary under-screen fingerprint scanners appeared on smartphones. Apple’s implementation, however, is predicted to supplement Face ID instead of being a replacement quickly.
