Apple Folding IPad Will Use Face ID Below Screen

Apple is developing a folding iPad that will be equipped with Face ID technology (photo: Doc. am Mitsuors)

JAKARTA - Apple is reportedly developing a folding iPad that will be equipped with Face ID technology under the scenes. If true, it will be a major change in the iPad design of a Cupertino-based company, and allow the device to have thinner bezels than the previous model.

According to a recent leak from the Digital Chat Station, one of Apple's foldable iPad initial prototypes uses a "metal superstructure line" which is believed to integrate the Face ID infrared projector under the screen. Currently, Face ID on the iPad Pro is placed under the glass, but not below the usable screen area.

Rumors about the under-screen biometric sensor technology, both Face ID and Touch ID, have been circulating for years, especially for iPhones. However, until now, Apple has not realized the feature. If it is true that the folding iPad will use Face ID under the screen, it is likely that this device will have very thin bezels.

Rumors about the foldable iPad are actually not new. Recent reports say that Apple is developing a very large foldable iPad, about double the size of the current iPad Pro. If true, this folding iPad screen can have a diagonal size of up to 18.8 inches, almost equivalent to two combined 13-inch iPad Pro screens.

This design approach will make the iPad foldable as a versatile device, resembling a ledger that can serve as a laptop with a full screen without a physical keyboard. This concept reminds devices like Microsoft Courier and Surface Neo, as well as Lenovo Yoga Book 9i. However, Apple will reportedly still use the iPadOS-based operating system and does not plan to combine the iPad and Mac lines into one device category.

The latest leak says that this large folding iPad is likely to launch in 2028. This is in line with the screen roadmap shared in December 2024, indicating that Apple plans to release folding devices with folding OLED screens and RGB Tandem Display technology that year.

In addition to the large folding iPad, Apple is also reportedly developing a smaller version of the iPad with an 8-inch display, which can launch faster in 2026. This device has the potential to replace the iPad mini and may have a function similar to the iPhone Fold can be used as an iPhone when it folds and turns into an iPad when it opens.

Bigger iPads are likely to offer a wider use experience, such as portable workstations or even as a substitute for MacBook. However, reports say that this device will not run macOS, but a variant of the iPadOS that may have some typical Mac features.

Apple itself has long explored the concept of foldable devices. Various patents that have been filed indicate the possibility of a flexible OLED hinge design that can turn a device into a full-screen laptop. The bottom screen can serve as a virtual keyboard and trackpad with a haptic feedback feature for a more natural typing experience.

With this feature, users can change the layout of the keyboard as needed, including converting to an ergonomic layout or using a keyboard in a different language without the need for additional hardware.

Although various leaks continue to appear, it should be noted that Apple has not provided official confirmation about this folding iPad. As usual, the Cupertino-based company tends to test various concepts before finally deciding to release the product to market.

However, if it is true that the iPad folds with Face ID under the screen and the big screen launches in the next few years, then this could be one of the biggest changes in the iPad line. Apple has the potential to present a device that combines iPad flexibility with MacBook functionality, without compromising the design and experience of users that has been its trademark.