Apple is working on an update for Face ID that would remove the necessary sensors under the screen.
Today, Apple’s Face ID is one of the most secure and accurate face detection systems available. For iPhone and iPad users, this means that, thanks to all kinds of sensors, they can also use the unlock option in banking apps and other encrypted applications. Still, Apple isn’t entirely happy with the way Face ID currently works.
Apple especially wants to eliminate the limitations that Face ID entails. The sensors for Face ID are quite large. In fact, they are the main reason that Apple has chosen a notch design for its iPhones. The manufacturer would like to get rid of that notch, but keep Face ID.
Face ID below the screen
For now, such a thing is impossible. That could change, if it were up to Apple. Apple recently obtained a patent in which the technology would lie under the screen. Moreover, it would not only be about Face ID sensors, but also sensors for Touch ID, “3D non-contact gestures”, pressure sensors and so on could be built in under the screen.
In 2023, no one will be surprised by a fingerprint scanner under the screen. However, it gets a lot more interesting when Apple talks about optical sensors to take photos and facilitate Face ID, among other things. The only problem with that is that a normal iPhone screen contains about thirteen different layers. These block about 80% of all light, making it very difficult for the sensor to pick up things.
To cope with this, there would be transparent zones in the screen. Those zones can change shape and appearance, just as the Dynamic Island already does today.
