The iPhone’s Dynamic Island could well undergo major changes as early as next year. The dynamic notch would indeed be reduced to a simple hole on the iPhone 16 Pro.
In 2017, Apple proudly inaugurated Face ID, its 3D facial recognitionduring the keynote dedicated to the iPhone X. To accommodate the TrueDepth sensors necessary for the operation of this technology, the brand added a notch on the touch screen. This distinctive element, long mocked at the time, was also found on the following models.
Last fall, Apple finally announced the Dynamic Island. Instead of a large notch, the iPhone 14 Pro inherit a so-called dynamic notch, which adapts according to the iOS applications used thanks to a little software magic. This trick allows Apple to reduce the size taken up by Face ID to offer a larger display area.
For this purpose, the firm had already reduced the size of the Face ID notch of the iPhone 13 Pro. Over the years, Apple engineers have managed to miniaturize components facial recognition to save space. This is the case of the module responsible for digitizing the distinctive elements of the face by projecting points of light.
From next year, the Cupertino giant would aim to go even further. According to information from The Elec, a South Korean media, Apple would slip all the sensors essential to Face ID directly below the touch screen. This novelty is referred to as ” Under Panel Face ID function “. The iPhone 16 Pro, one of next year’s hypothetical high-end versions, would therefore inherita more discreet dynamic island. Instead of a double cavity in the shape of an elongated pill, we would then find a single punch. This hole would only house the photo sensor for selfies. When unused, the surrounding software bubble should therefore be noticeably narrower.
Obviously, it is possible that Apple decides to relocate this photo module under the slab. It is a technical challenge, but many competitors have managed to overcome the obstacles. This is the case of Samsung, the market leader. If all the sensors are moved below the glass of the screen, the Dynamic Island would come down to a bubble displayed by the software… and lose some of its interest.
According to information relayed by The Elec, Apple is working on photo sensor technology under the slab. On the other hand, this novelty would probably not be ready for the release of the iPhone 16. Before pass the course of the module under the screen, Apple probably wants to make sure the quality of the selfies won’t suffer. The South Korean media seems to be counting on a notch reduced to its simplest expression for the iPhone 16 Pro.
True to form, Apple would reserve the change of design of the island to Pro versions. The more affordable iPhone 16s should again end up with a Dynamic Island similar to that of the iPhone 14 Pro. For the record, the dynamic notch will be also included in all iPhone 15sincluding the cheapest models, expected next September.
This is not the first time that a rumor prophesies the relocation of Face ID sensors under the OLED panel of the iPhone. In view of the ambitions displayed by the manufacturer, Apple should sooner or later bet on sensors under the screen, mirroring many manufacturers of Android smartphones. The firm has also filed a plethora of patent applications for Face ID sensors hidden under the screen.
This change in aesthetics has its lot of technical challenges. Apple must indeed ensure that the sensors can recognize the user’s face through the glass. Concretely, they will have to be able to project infrared points to calculate the depth of field, and“map” the face of the user, despite the slab.
What about a Touch ID under the screen?
At the same time, the company also seems to be interested in the idea of integrating a Touch ID fingerprint reader under the screen. Patents describing technology of this ilk on the iPhone are legion. In the mobile phone market, this technology has gradually spread since 2018, thanks to brands like Vivo. Most Android smartphones now have a fingerprint sensor discreetly slipped under the slab.
On the iPhone, the reader would only serve asalternative to Face ID technology, who is not ready to bow out. But despite the rumors prophesying the return of Touch ID, Apple seems to be betting everything on its facial recognition. This is particularly the opinion of Mark Gurman, journalist at Bloomberg. According to him, the firm has turned the page and is focusing on improving Face ID.
Source :
The Electric
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