According to a new report, Apple plans to shrink the Face ID sensor chip in future iPhone and iPad models.
Apple has reportedly decided to reduce the chip size of the VCSEL chips used in the Face ID scanner – so DigiTimes. This move will help Apple reduce production costs because more chips can be produced on a wafer, reducing the total amount of wafers. The redesigned VCSEL chip could allow Apple to integrate new features into the device. The change could also free up internal space. The smaller Face ID chip will apparently be used in new iPhone and iPad devices that will be released starting in late 2021.
iPhone 13: Apple redesigns notch
The first devices to feature the new chip will likely be the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro, as well as the next generation of iPad Pro models. DigiTimes previously reported that the notch on the iPhone 13 models will "shrink" as it gets smaller thanks to a redesigned camera module that integrates Rx, Tx, and Flood Illuminator to enable the reduction. Barclays analysts have similarly stated that a smaller notch on the iPhone 13 models will be the result of a "more tightly integrated version of the current structured light system" for Face ID. It's not clear if the smaller, more consolidated Face ID technologies in the iPhone 13 are related to this smaller VCSEL chip. (Photo by Denys Prykhodov / Bigstockphoto)
