The rumors about Apple’s entrance in the foldable market have been floating for quite some time. According to rumors, and even the renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will introduce a foldable iPad Pro before a foldable iPhone. The foldable iPad Pro is already being worked on, and Apple is reportedly testing prototypes. A new report emerged today and claims that Apple’s currenty Foldable iPad Pro prototype has an under-dispaly Face ID technology.
Apple’s Foldable iPad Pro Being Tested with Face ID Technology
The info comes from renowned tipster Digital Chat Station. According to him, one of Apple’s engineering prototypes features an 18.8-inch foldable screen with a “metal superstructure lens”. It integrates the receiver and transmitter componenets of Face ID for under-display facial recognition. Unfdortunately, there are no further details about this.
Interestingly, there were also rumors about the launch of a foldable Mac walking alongside the foldable iPad rumors. Either of the devices is feasible, it all depends on what operating system Apple opts to go with.
When it comes to the under-display Face ID, this technology has been rumored for years. It sounds like a natural evolution for the Face ID technology after the current Dynamic Island. Apple left the bulky notch for the Dynamic Island that consists in a pill-shaped Notch housing the cameras and sensors responsible for the Face ID. Naturally, many are expecting the company to give a step forward in the next years, this step could be implementation of an under-screen technology.
Currently, there are still many constraints in the under-display camera technology. That explains why brands are still not adopting it. Besides ZTE and Samsung, we don’t see many smartphone makers embracing the technology. Apple is well known for having high standards when it comes to the technology in iPhones and iPads. We don’t expect the company to use this technology until it matures enough to reach perfection.
Today’s rumor is the first to mention under-display Face ID in the context of Apple’s foldable plans. However, this is a prottype and that means Apple is still testing all ideas for its product. It can take some time to materialize, and if the technology fails, then Apple will likely scrap it for a while. Anyway, there is still no exact launch window for a foldable Apple device.
Foldable iPad or Mac? It All Depends on OS and User’s View
According to Digital Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), Apple plans to launch an 18.8-inch foldable iPad Pro with an OLED screen in 2027. Separately, the supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, claimed LG aims to begin mass production of display panels for a MacBook. This Macbook will have a 20.2-inch or an 18.8-inch foldable screen. The mass production could start in the final quarter of 2025, which basically scraps the release in this year. It worths noting, that Samsung should also be on Apple’s list of suppliers for foldable displays.
Last but not least, The Wall Street Journal claimed in December last year, that Apple is working on a larger foldable device. This would serve as a laptop and would unfold to be about 19-inches in size. It could be either a foldable iPad or MacBook, it all depends on the Operating System and user’s perspective.
There is still a long ahead, and we expect leaks to keep flowing in the coming months.
