Apple’s supply chain for display components has reportedly moved toward a new in-display front camera concept, with LG Innotek advancing a UPC1 module intended to sit beneath the screen. TheElec, a Korean trade publication, was among the first to flag this development, signaling a shift in how Apple might realize a notch-free front end in its smartphones as early as the mid to late 2020s. The UPC1 approach centers on embedding the camera behind the display layer so users would see a seamless screen with no visible cutouts or holes when the device is in use. This would mark a notable departure from the traditional front‑facing module arrangement that has dictated iPhone industrial design in recent generations. In practical terms, the technology aims to preserve bezel area while delivering a true edge-to-edge visual experience, aligning with Apple’s long‑standing emphasis on screen real estate and aesthetic purity.
Industry insiders point out that the UPC1 solution may bring performance trade‑offs compared with conventional front cameras. One key concern is light transmission: with the camera optics located behind the display, the sensor receives light that has to pass through multiple layers of glass and display materials, potentially reducing image brightness and dynamic range under certain lighting conditions. In response, LG Innotek is reportedly developing specialized lens arrangements and optical enhancements designed to concentrate or funnel more light toward the sensor, mitigating the brightness shortfall and preserving color accuracy. These refinements suggest a dual strategy: maintain the visual purity of a full screen while engineering optics that compensate for the extra display path the light traverses. The broader implication is a continued push within Apple’s supply ecosystem to balance design ambitions with camera performance, a balancing act that has defined prior generations of device development.
According to industry rumors, the UPC1 module will not debut in the iPhone 16 lineup or any other model released in 2024. The timeline points toward a staged adoption, with Apple potentially introducing an in‑display front camera together with screen cooperation on later models. Some predictions suggest that the iPhone 17 Pro might adopt a round‑hole front camera design, coupled with in‑screen Face ID, as a transitional step before a completely seamless display becomes a reality. In this scenario, Apple would gradually migrate from the current cutouts toward a more integrated system, easing consumer expectations while technology matures. The shift could also influence accessory ecosystems, including display protectors and camera modules, as suppliers adjust to the evolving geometry of the front face.
Looking further ahead, the timeline for a fully notch‑free iPhone appears to extend into the next generation, with speculation placing a potential launch around 2026 for a fully integrated display front. While this remains speculative, the industry is watching how Apple and its suppliers push the envelope on what is technically feasible in terms of light management, sensor placement, and display transparency. The conversation also touches on broader design questions, such as whether new authentication methods or alternative Face ID architectures could coexist with a fully under‑display camera. In parallel, there has been chatter about whether Apple would adjust repair strategies for popular devices in response to new hardware architectures. The discussion underscores the practical realities of sustaining a high‑volume product line while introducing architectural changes that might require different service approaches.