Apple's Under-Display Face ID Roadmap: From Dynamic Island to a Hole-less Full-Screen Evolution

Apple's Under-Display Face ID Roadmap: From Dynamic Island to a Hole-less Full-Screen EvolutionStarting with the iPhone 14 Pro, Apple bid farewell to its iconic notch, introducing the much-anticipated "Dynamic Island" punch-hole design. However, this isn't Apple's ultimate design goal

Apple's Under-Display Face ID Roadmap: From Dynamic Island to a Hole-less Full-Screen Evolution

Starting with the iPhone 14 Pro, Apple bid farewell to its iconic notch, introducing the much-anticipated "Dynamic Island" punch-hole design. However, this isn't Apple's ultimate design goal. Apple's ultimate dream has always been to create a truly hole-less phone no buttons, no ports, no earpiece, and not even a Dynamic Island, achieving a flawlessly complete screen. The realization of this goal hinges on a breakthrough in a key technology: under-display Face ID.

To achieve this, Apple has been diligently researching and accumulating relevant technologies. Based on various leaks and predictions from industry analysts, the realization of Apple's hole-less full-screen phone will be a phased process, ultimately resulting in an iPhone completely devoid of any punch-holes.

Phase One: Shrinking and Optimizing the Dynamic Island (iPhone 17 Pro Series)

The upcoming iPhone 17 Pro series, expected to launch this year, is widely predicted to employ Metalens technology. This technology can effectively reduce the size of the Face ID module, thereby further shrinking the Dynamic Island's punch-hole. This marks a significant step by Apple towards a hole-less full-screen. The application of Metalens technology will further diminish the presence of the Dynamic Island, paving the way for the ultimate full-screen design. Beyond size reduction, Metalens also offers potential improvements in image quality and optical performance, providing a more reliable foundation for Face ID functionality.

Phase Two: Fully Under-Display Face ID Implementation (iPhone 18 Pro Series)

Next year's iPhone 18 Pro series is expected to achieve a fully under-display Face ID module. This means all Face ID components will be hidden beneath the screen, leaving only a minimal front-facing camera punch-hole above the screen. This will significantly increase the iPhone 18 Pro's screen-to-body ratio, bringing its design closer to current Android flagships while significantly enhancing the user experience. Hiding the Face ID module under the screen requires overcoming numerous technical challenges, including ensuring the accuracy of face recognition and the stability of image quality. This necessitates advanced display technology and algorithms. Apple's technological breakthroughs in this phase will be key to achieving the ultimate hole-less full-screen.

Phase Three: The Ultimate Goal: A Completely Hole-less Full-Screen

According to Ross Young, a senior display industry analyst, Apple's ultimate goal is to create a completely hole-less iPhone. This means not only will the Face ID module be fully hidden under the screen, but the front-facing camera will also be under-display. The phone's front will then present a truly seamless screen, realizing the ultimate dream of a "magical slab of glass," marking another significant leap in Apple's phone design philosophy.

Apple's Technological Reserves and Patent Portfolio

Apple has been actively accumulating related technologies and filing numerous patents for years. A leaked under-display Face ID technology patent last year provided strong technical support for this goal. This patent technology uses a series of tiny transparent windows, whose size and position can be dynamically adjusted around the display to selectively activate and deactivate different pixels. This design ensures the proper function of face recognition and the front-facing camera while minimizing the impact on screen display quality. This demonstrates Apple's unwavering commitment to technological innovation and its deep understanding of future phone design concepts.

A Tribute to Jobs' Ideal: A "Magical Slab of Glass"

Apple's hole-less full-screen phone is not only a testament to its technological prowess but also a tribute to Steve Jobs' vision. Jobs envisioned a phone as a "magical slab of glass," simple, thin, and devoid of unnecessary elements. Apple is gradually turning this vision into reality. From the initial notch to the current Dynamic Island and the upcoming hole-less full-screen, Apple's design philosophy has consistently revolved around simplicity, refinement, and an ultimate user experience. This is not merely a technological iteration but a continuous refinement of design philosophy.

Apple's continued investment in under-display Face ID technology demonstrates its accurate grasp of future phone design trends and its unwavering commitment to technological innovation. From the Dynamic Island to the hole-less full-screen, each advancement by Apple will provide users with a more stunning visual experience and a more refined user experience. The ultimate realization of this technology will not only redefine the aesthetics of phone design but also bring new directions to the entire mobile phone industry. Apple's efforts fill us with anticipation for the limitless possibilities of future phones. This is not just a technological race, but a journey of pursuit of perfection.