Apple is said to have already made the preparations to bring the Face ID system to other iOS devices apart from the iPhone X. The Cupertino-based tech giant grabbed the spotlight when it launched its 2017 flagship phone with 3D full facial recognition technology, a feature that is expected to be present in the 2018 iPad Pro 3 model as well. This time around, the 3D sensing modules to be used in the upcoming high-end tablet will be supplied by an unlikely partner, the LG Innotek group.
The 3D sensing modules to be included in the iPad Pro 3 2018 have a special dot projector and flood illuminator, the same elements that enable the iPhone X's TrueDepth camera technology that supports the Face ID system. According to the South Korean online publication The Investor, Apple has made sure that there will be enough supply of these 3D sensing modules by signing a huge deal with LG Innotek, a tech firm that turned out as one of the Cupertino company's rival. Teaming up with a competitor could be quite a risk, although this would secure the Face ID in many iOS devices coming up this 2018, including the iPad Pro 3 and the iPhone X's successor.
The partnership between Apple and LG Innotek to allow an abundant supply of 3D sensing modules upon the launch of iPad Pro 3 2018 amount to $821 million. The Innotek group would need to spend this much investment to build several facilities that will create the camera modules for the Face ID. While it is unusual for a non-stakeholder like LG to finance a multi-million investment with Apple, this is not the first time that it happened, ValueWalk reported.
Furthermore, The Investor claims that Apple's partnership with LG Innotek is a serious one and has a potential to last longer, as Apple CEO Tim Cook has reportedly met in person with LG Innotek CEO Park Jon-seok just to seal the deal. It is believed that Cook has been rarely involved in direct talks with parts suppliers.
To recall, the iPhone X was slated to launch alongside the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus last year. However, the shortage of 3D sensing modules for TrueDepth camera technology forced Apple to delay its release later in 2017. Even during the first few weeks of the iPhone X in the market, the supply has been limited due to the scarcity in the Face ID components.
