Leaked Details: Apple’s Foldable iPad Pro to Integrate Under-Display Face ID

When two major tech rumors collide, you get this: Apple’s highly anticipated foldable iPad Pro is rumored to feature an under-display Face ID system, according to leakster Digital Chat Station. For years, we’ve heard whispers about foldable devices and under-display technology, and now it seems these innovations are set to merge in Apple’s next big product.

Here’s everything we know so far about the foldable iPad Pro and its potential under-display Face ID technology.

Foldable iPad Pro: What’s the Big Deal?

The foldable iPad Pro is shaping up to be a game-changer in Apple’s product lineup. Unlike the rumored foldable iPhone, which is expected to debut next year, this device is specifically targeting the tablet market. With an alleged 18.8-inch display, the foldable iPad Pro will be larger than any MacBook but slightly smaller than the 24-inch iMac (though Apple previously offered a 21.5-inch iMac model).

This massive display size positions the foldable iPad Pro as a hybrid device, blurring the lines between tablets and laptops. It could potentially serve as a portable workstation, offering users the flexibility of a tablet with the screen real estate of a desktop.

Under-Display Face ID: What’s Changing?

One of the most exciting aspects of the foldable iPad Pro is the rumored under-display Face ID technology. According to leaks, Apple may not move the entire Face ID system under the display initially. Instead, only the IR (infrared) projector—a key component of Face ID—will be hidden beneath the screen. The IR camera, another critical part of the system, might remain visible for now.

This approach mirrors Apple’s original plans for shrinking the Dynamic Island on iPhones. The company reportedly intended to move the IR projector under the display first, followed by the camera in later generations. While this upgrade was initially expected with the iPhone 17, recent reports suggest it may take longer to perfect the technology.

The under-display Face ID system is said to rely on a “meta-lens,” though details remain unclear due to potential translation issues from the original leak. If true, this innovation could pave the way for a truly seamless display design, free of notches or cutouts.

Why Not Under-Display Touch ID?

Apple has been steadily moving away from Touch ID in favor of Face ID across its product lineup. While some iPads (like the base model, Air, and mini) still feature Touch ID, the iPad Pro series has fully embraced Face ID. Similarly, iPhones no longer include fingerprint readers, especially with the discontinuation of the iPhone SE and the iPhone 16e’s switch to Face ID.

Given this trend, it’s no surprise that Apple is prioritizing under-display Face ID over under-display Touch ID. While the latter technology is widely used in Android devices, Apple seems committed to advancing its facial recognition system, which offers a more seamless and secure user experience.

What This Means for Apple’s Ecosystem

The introduction of a foldable iPad Pro with under-display Face ID could mark a significant shift in Apple’s design philosophy. By combining cutting-edge display technology with advanced biometrics, Apple is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in consumer electronics.

This device could also signal Apple’s broader ambitions in the foldable market. While competitors like Samsung and Huawei have already released foldable smartphones, Apple appears to be taking a more cautious approach, focusing first on tablets before potentially expanding to iPhones.

Challenges and Expectations

While the foldable iPad Pro sounds like a dream device, there are still challenges to overcome. Foldable displays are notoriously difficult to perfect, with issues like creasing, durability, and cost being major hurdles. Additionally, under-display technology, especially for complex systems like Face ID, requires significant engineering advancements to ensure reliability and performance.

If Apple can successfully address these challenges, the foldable iPad Pro could set a new standard for innovation in the tech industry. However, if the rumors are accurate, we may have to wait a bit longer to see this device in action.

Round Up

The foldable iPad Pro with under-display Face ID represents the next evolution of Apple’s design and technology. By merging two of the most talked-about innovations in recent years, Apple is poised to deliver a device that could redefine how we interact with tablets and laptops.

As always, it’s important to take leaks and rumors with a grain of salt. But if Digital Chat Station’s information proves accurate, the foldable iPad Pro could be one of the most exciting Apple products in years.

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to its potential release!