Taking the All Screen iPhone a step further.
According to reports, LG Innotek has started designing a UPC model for Apple. This invention can be put forward for inclusion in a proposed ‘All-screen’ iPhone set to hit the market in 2026.
The UPC Technology Unveiled
under panel camera (upc) or under display camera (udc) allows for cameras and sensor integrations that are almost invisible while in use and even in the stand by mode. However, despite being utilized by manufacturers such as ZTE for top of the line Axon smartphone and Samsung in the Z Fold3, Z Fold4, and Z Fold5 models, making it of the same qualities with conventional front facing cameras is not straightforward.
Although it has been discussed about for several years, UPC’s image quality is nowhere near that of its conventional peers. Unlike typical camera modules, a UPC provides much of its light for a dimmer and grainy snap. With regards to this, LG Innoteq is working on a Multi-lens array for “Freeform Optic” which minimizes aberrations and increases light intensity surrounding the optical module giving better peripheral images.
Innovation in Optics: Freeform Optic
Back in December of the last year, LG Innotek obtained a patent covering Freeform Optic technology. The next several months will likely see other patents in this domain become available since patents are released into publication approximately 18 months following application.
LG Display Joins the Race
According to The Elec source, LG Display also started developing the UPC technology. LG display aims at increasing OLTP transmittance to 20 percent by 2023, and above, post-2024. In order to do this, LG Display intends to use the replacement of the current PI substrate with a transparent PI substrate.
Apple’s Evaluation and Future Plans
The performance of UPC reportedly was found by apple unsatisfactory from unidentified vendor and it seems necessary that it should achieve a substantially high quality levels before apple can integrate with its products.
Recent rumors point at an almost “all screen” iPhone for 2025. It’s also probable that this device will feature UPC for the third-dimensional Face ID technique together with an extremely modest indentation in display just for the camera. Henceforth, Apple aims at using UPC also in a photodetector by the end of 2027, taking yet one step forward on the way towards modern display technology.