Rumors of a foldable all-screen Apple device, potentially a MacBook or iPad, have been circulating. A recent leak from Digital Chat Station on Weibo, reported by 9To5Mac, claims a prototype of this foldable device exists, featuring Face ID technology integrated beneath the display.
The leak, originally in Chinese, describes a “metal super-structured lens” incorporating “Face ID Rx and Tx” for under-display 3D facial recognition. This aligns with existing Apple patents for such technology, highlighting Apple’s ongoing efforts to eliminate the notch or “Dynamic Island” present in current iPhones, MacBooks, and iPads.
The notch’s existence stems from the challenges of infrared light, used by Face ID, penetrating the display, and achieving quality camera results with the display obstructing the lens. Apple patents indicate that visible light transmission through displays can be less than 20%. If Apple can enhance light transmission, sensors like cameras, ambient light sensors, and proximity sensors could function seamlessly beneath the display. It remains unclear how many of the Dynamic Island’s sensors are integrated under-display in this prototype.
Apple patent for embedded Face ID tech.This diagram from an Apple patent illustrates the multiple display layers light must traverse to reach a sensor.
The elimination of the notch is highly anticipated, despite users adapting to its presence. Speculation about a notchless iPhone resurfaces with each new release, but implementing this technology is complex. If the leak is accurate, this technology could signal the eventual demise of the Dynamic Island. In the nearer term, it could lead to significantly smaller notches.
