Apple’s latest patent, awarded by the USPTO on January 14, 2025, could revolutionize the way Face ID technology integrates with iPhone displays. titled “Methods and Configurations for Improving the Performance of Sensors Under a Display,” the patent addresses a longstanding challenge: allowing infrared light to pass through the pixels under the screen for facial recognition.The tech giant has struggled with ensuring that the infrared light used to scan and verify a user’s face can effectively penetrate the display. Apple’s innovative solution involves removing a portion of each pixel, known as a subpixel, which typically displays red, green, or blue light. By eliminating part of the subpixel array, the infrared light can pass through more efficiently. Remarkably, the final image quality remains unchanged, as the removed subpixels align with nearby subpixels of the same color.
The patent also suggests that modifying the touch-sensitive mesh beneath the display could further enhance infrared pass-through. The removed mesh pieces are small enough to avoid affecting the touch screen’s responsiveness, ensuring a seamless user experiance.
An illustration from the patent showcases the proposed design, highlighting Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of display technology.However, the implementation of this feature may not arrive until the iPhone 18 pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, slated for release next year. Alternatively, Apple may need to explore other solutions if the patented technology proves too complex to integrate.
Seven Apple employees are credited as inventors of this groundbreaking patent, which could pave the way for a truly seamless under-display Face ID system.
| Key Details | Summary |
|——————|————-|
| Patent Title | “Methods and Configurations for Improving the Performance of Sensors Under a Display” |
| Patent Number | US 12,201,004 |
| Issue Date | January 14, 2025 |
| Inventors | Seven Apple employees |
| Potential Release | iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max (2026) |
This patent underscores Apple’s relentless pursuit of innovation, aiming to deliver cutting-edge technology while maintaining the sleek design that defines its products. Stay tuned for updates on how this development could shape the future of iPhone displays.
Apple’s latest patent, awarded by the USPTO on January 14, 2025, introduces innovative methods to improve the integration of Face ID technology with iPhone displays.Titled “Methods and configurations for Improving the Performance of Sensors Under a Display,” the patent addresses a significant technical challenge: enabling infrared light to pass through the display pixels for facial recognition. Apple’s solution involves removing a portion of each pixel, known as a subpixel, which typically emits red, green, or blue light. This modification allows infrared light to penetrate the display more effectively while maintaining the image quality, as the removed subpixels align with nearby same-color subpixels.
Additionally,the patent suggests modifying the touch-sensitive mesh beneath the display to further enhance infrared pass-through. The removed mesh pieces are small enough to avoid compromising the touch screen’s responsiveness, ensuring a seamless user experience.
An illustration within the patent highlights Apple’s commitment to advancing display technology. However, the implementation of this feature may not occur until the release of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in 2026. If the patented technology proves too complex to integrate, Apple may need to explore alternative solutions.
Seven Apple employees are credited as inventors of this groundbreaking patent, which could pave the way for a truly seamless under-display Face ID system. This advancement underscores Apple’s dedication to innovation while maintaining the sleek design characteristic of its products.
| Key Details | Summary |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Patent Title | “Methods and Configurations for Improving the Performance of Sensors Under a Display” |
| Patent Number | US 12,201,004 |
| Issue Date | January 14, 2025 |
| Inventors | Seven Apple employees |
| Potential Release | iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max (2026) |
