Foldable iPhone's Under-Screen Camera Doesn't Include Face ID

Apple's rumored foldable iPhone currently in development features an under-screen camera integrated into the folding display, but the module reportedly doesn't include TrueDepth components that make up Face ID. That's according to Weibo-based leaker Digital Chat Station who has sources within the Chinese supply chain. On Monday, the leaker revealed the alleged screen resolutions for the 7.76-inch inner display and the 5.49-inch outer display of Apple's book-style foldable device, and they also claimed that the inner display uses "under-screen camera technology." However, it was not clear whether this meant the TrueDepth system that underlies Face ID would be integrated beneath the screen along with the selfie camera. The latest tidbit of information clears this up, and suggests that the display will have a single punch-hole camera. It also aligns with industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo's claim that Apple's foldable iPhone will forgo Face ID authentication, instead using a Touch ID side button as a means to save precious internal space. Apple already integrates Touch ID into the side button on some iPads, so there's precedent for this. Integrating Face ID under the screen is difficult because the core components that make up the TrueDepth camera system – like the dot projector and infrared camera – need a clear, unobstructed view to accurately scan your face. Current display layers block or distort infrared light, which degrades the system's ability to create a secure 3D facial map. Fully under-display Face ID will remain a technical hurdle until displays can transmit infrared light cleanly. Apple will launch its long-rumored foldable iPhone late next year with a ~$2,000 premium price tag attached, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Tags: Digital Chat Station, Foldable iPhoneThis article, "Foldable iPhone's Under-Screen Camera Doesn't Include Face ID" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Apr 15, 2025 - 10:43

Foldable iPhone's Under-Screen Camera Doesn't Include Face ID

Apple's rumored foldable iPhone currently in development features an under-screen camera integrated into the folding display, but the module reportedly doesn't include TrueDepth components that make up Face ID. That's according to Weibo-based leaker Digital Chat Station who has sources within the Chinese supply chain.

On Monday, the leaker revealed the alleged screen resolutions for the 7.76-inch inner display and the 5.49-inch outer display of Apple's book-style foldable device, and they also claimed that the inner display uses "under-screen camera technology." However, it was not clear whether this meant the TrueDepth system that underlies Face ID would be integrated beneath the screen along with the selfie camera.

The latest tidbit of information clears this up, and suggests that the display will have a single punch-hole camera. It also aligns with industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo's claim that Apple's foldable iPhone will forgo Face ID authentication, instead using a Touch ID side button as a means to save precious internal space. Apple already integrates Touch ID into the side button on some iPads, so there's precedent for this.

Integrating Face ID under the screen is difficult because the core components that make up the TrueDepth camera system – like the dot projector and infrared camera – need a clear, unobstructed view to accurately scan your face. Current display layers block or distort infrared light, which degrades the system's ability to create a secure 3D facial map. Fully under-display Face ID will remain a technical hurdle until displays can transmit infrared light cleanly.

Apple will launch its long-rumored foldable iPhone late next year with a ~$2,000 premium price tag attached, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Tags: Digital Chat Station, Foldable iPhone

This article, "Foldable iPhone's Under-Screen Camera Doesn't Include Face ID" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums