We’ve been waiting for the perfect iPhone with minimal bezels and no holes or notches at the top. Rumors say such screens are in the works at Apple, and the iPhone maker has patented technology that would make cameras and sensors work despite being placed behind the OLED screen.
Face ID is a crucial feature that lets users unlock their screens quickly and log into apps seamlessly. However, moving Face ID components under the display poses significant challenges. The technology isn’t quite where Apple wants it to be, and the company might delay existing plans as a result.
Some of the challenges include ensuring that the Face ID system can beam the pattern of dots and capture it through the layers of an OLED panel, and addressing issues with diffraction and infrared light passing through the display. Additionally, Apple wants multiple display vendors ready to manufacture screens with under-display Face ID capabilities to ensure enough supply and lower manufacturing costs.
This delay might mean that the iPhone 17 series won’t feature a hole-punch display, as some reports suggested. It’s unclear when Apple will be able to overcome the challenges and implement under-display Face ID technology. The company is also considering whether to bring this technology to a traditional candybar phone or have it ready for a foldable product.
Other Android vendors, including Samsung, have already implemented under-display cameras in some of their models. However, these cameras are not comparable to traditional selfie cams, and none of the main flagship Android phones are ready to ditch the hole-punch display design.