- iPhone 16 Face ID design changes are being implemented
- Newton Aycliffe plant supplied Face ID sensors; orders stopped
- iPhone 16 Pro models may feature slightly larger screens
- Under-screen Face ID technology expected no earlier than next year
Apple might be altering the Face ID design for its iPhone 16 series, set to launch later this year.
While specifics are limited, this change is already impacting Apple’s supply chain partners.
The Telegraph reported in May that Coherent, a UK-based semiconductor company, faces potential closure after Apple ended a supply deal.
Coherent manufactured components for the iPhone’s Face ID sensor, but Apple stopped orders due to upcoming changes for the iPhone 16.
DigiTimes added that the Newton Aycliffe plant previously supplied various sensors and cameras for the Face ID system.
“The Face ID system for Apple’s iPhones, comprised of various sensors and cameras, was previously supplied by the Newton Aycliffe plant. However, design changes in the upcoming iPhone 16 series, slated for release in late 2024, led to Apple ceasing its orders,” said the report.
However, design changes in the upcoming iPhone 16 series led Apple to cease its orders.
The exact nature of these “design changes” for Face ID in the iPhone 16 is unclear.
It’s possible that Apple is making internal adjustments due to supply chain relationships, which may not affect Face ID functionality for users.
Expected iPhone 16 Features
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models are likely to keep the same overall design as the iPhone 15.
However, the Pro and Pro Max versions are expected to have slightly larger screens. The entire lineup is also rumoured to include a new capture button.
Future Face ID Development
Apple is working on under-screen Face ID technology for iPhones, but this isn’t expected to debut until next year at the earliest.
This rumoured change to Face ID design shows Apple’s ongoing efforts to refine and potentially improve its facial recognition technology.
While the impact on user experience remains to be seen, it’s clear that even small changes can have significant ripple effects throughout Apple’s complex supply chain.
FAQs
What changes are expected for Face ID in the iPhone 16?
Apple is altering the Face ID design for the iPhone 16 series, leading to changes in its supply chain. The specifics of these design changes are not yet clear.
Why did Apple end its supply deal with Coherent?
Apple stopped orders from Coherent, a UK-based semiconductor company, due to the upcoming changes in the Face ID design for the iPhone 16 series.
What is the impact of these changes on Apple’s supply chain?
The design changes in Face ID have led to the potential closure of Coherent’s Newton Aycliffe plant, which supplied various sensors and cameras for the Face ID system.
What are the expected features of the iPhone 16 series?
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models are likely to retain the same overall design as the iPhone 15, with slightly larger screens for the Pro and Pro Max versions and a new capture button for the entire lineup.
When will under-screen Face ID technology be available?
Apple is working on under-screen Face ID technology, but it is not expected to debut until next year at the earliest.