According to the latest report, Samsung shows that it is currently developing a new under-screen camera technology for major customer Apple, which can hide the Face ID part under the screen panel of the next-generation iPhone.
According to the source, Samsung Display’s technology is expected to be applied first to Samsung Electronics’ foldable phones next year (Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4), and then to high-end new phones in the Pro and Pro Max categories of the iPhone 15 series.
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Sources pointed out that Apple plans to use a punch-hole screen and an under-screen Face ID design on the iPhone 15 Pro model. The current iPhone 15 series is still in the opening stage, and Apple obviously will not prepare only one set of plans.
As we all know, Apple currently installs various sensors in the “notch” at the top of the phone on its iPhone, including the TrueDepth camera for Face ID. The sources pointed out that the new under-screen Face ID can hide the sensor when the owner is not using it, and only call it when needed, so as to achieve better visual effects.
Moreover, Samsung Display is reportedly working with Canada’s OTI Lumionics to develop its new under-screen camera technology, which will include a metal pattern layer using a cathode mask material.
In an OLED panel, light from the bottom emissive layer needs to pass through the cathode portion at the top, a process called top emission. Only when the cathode part is transparent can the environment required by the under-screen camera technology be achieved, and the cathode can be patterned into a transparent form while being able to absorb light from the outside.
Furthermore, OTI Lumionics has its own technology for depositing cathode pattern materials using fine metal masks. The cathode is then deposited using an open metal mask, avoiding deposition on the patterned material.
It is worth mentioning that Samsung Electronics previously used a laser drilling solution on the Galaxy Z Fold 3 to implement the under-screen camera (the domestic manufacturers’ solutions are different), but the performance of the mass-produced version of the Fold 3 is really unflattering. So Apple decided to abandon the laser drilling solution and find a new alternative.
In addition, LG Display is also developing its own under-panel camera technology, aiming to increase the light transmittance of the hole to more than 40% after 2024.
